affordable

American  

[uh-fawr-duh-buhl] / əˈfɔr də bəl /

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.

Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of affordable

First recorded in 1865–70; afford + -able

Explanation

If something is affordable, it's priced reasonably, and you have enough money to buy it. Your friends might be jealous that the bike you bought at a yard sale was so affordable. If you live in an affordable city, it means that rents aren't too high for most of its residents, and if you buy an affordable dinner for yourself, it doesn't cost too much. The adjective affordable can either mean "cheap," or it can imply that even if it's expensive, you have enough money to easily buy it. The verb afford is at the root, and its earliest meaning was "accomplish." Gradually, afford came to have the meaning "manage to buy."

Example Sentences

He added: "In terms of energy, we account for less than 1% of global emissions, right now it is more of a priority we have safe and affordable energy."

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

LACAHSA, founded through state legislation in 2022, receives its funding from the recent voter-approved Measure A half-cent sales tax to fight homelessness and build affordable housing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

A new ranking highlights cities with the best job opportunities, affordable housing, and quality of life for recent college grads.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Each of these budget items might seem affordable, but upkeep and maintenance expenses add up.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

Theatre groups in towns and cities across the United States presented live dramas, comedies, and musicals at prices affordable to struggling families.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow

Related Words

• cheap
• economical