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.

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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

Iacocca also expanded the Chrysler brand to include less-premium, more affordable models.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

A bill last year that would have replicated the model for affordable housing projects died without a full vote in the Assembly.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

He said had noticed interest from buyers "coming over the bridge into the valleys", pointing to the "price bracket" and "affordable range" of homes on the market in areas like the Rhondda.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Fast fashion offers an affordable way to keep up with kids who quickly outgrow their clothes.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

“People want to participate in our brand because we are an affordable luxury,” said Gene Dunkin, president of Godiva North America, a unit of the Campbell Soup Company.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

Related Words

• cheap
• economical