affordable

[uh-fawr-duh-buhl]

adjective

1. that can be afforded; believed to be within one's financial means.

   attractive new cars at affordable prices.

noun

1. Usually affordables. items, expenses, etc., that one can afford.

   a variety of affordables for your gift list.

Other Word Forms

• affordability noun
• affordably adverb
• unaffordability noun
• unaffordable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of affordable¹

First recorded in 1865–70; afford + -able

Example Sentences

Atlanta joins a growing number of cities testing publicly funded options for affordable fresh food, in areas where businesses are put off by the risks.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Even the Romans knew the bread they supplied with the circuses had to be affordable.

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The acquisition is Archer’s latest move in the race to make air travel more local and affordable.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A report from the community development research nonprofit Headwaters Economics found a complete home retrofit using affordable materials costs between $23,000 and $40,000.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Series offers a plan for stronger government action, greater community involvement, and broader access to affordable, nutritious foods.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• cheap 
• economical 

When To Use

What does affordable mean?

If something is affordable, it means its price is low enough that you (or most people) have enough money to buy it.Affordable is the adjective form of the verb afford. If you can afford something, you have enough money to pay for it. Much less commonly, affordable can be used as a noun meaning an item that one can afford.Example: Rachel wants to buy a luxury car, but with her budget I think she should consider a more affordable option.