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

Example Sentences

The team had received a directive from up top that they were to upgrade the company’s most affordable diaper line, one of its most popular franchises in America.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors hope the more affordable model will boost sales amid declining federal support for electric vehicles.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, it remains difficult for many families to find affordable child care within a reasonable distance.

From Salon

The social supermarket, based at the town's Abbeygate Shopping Centre, aims to provide affordable food to people who are struggling with the cost of living.

From BBC

When Tesla announced its plans for the Semi nearly a decade ago, it was seen as a chance to change heavy-duty trucking just as its affordable and versatile Model 3 helped popularize electric cars.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cheap
• economical