affordable

American

[uh-fawr-duh-buhl] / əˈfɔr də bəl /

adjective

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

attractive new cars at affordable prices.

noun

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Businesses say a lower rate will allow hospitality to keep prices more affordable for the public.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Apple launched the MacBook Neo at $599, an affordable price point that contrasts with competitors raising prices on comparable products.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

To make life affordable for working Americans — especially in challenging times like these — we need to raise them.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

The simple, relatively affordable tests recently got a boost from influential clinical guidelines issued earlier this month by leading cardiology groups.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Fast food was not only tasty but also affordable.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023