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

Over 1 million people in New Jersey report being food insecure, and many of them live in food deserts, an area with limited access to affordable, nutritious food.

Read more on Salon

Scott Robertson, a veteran marketing executive, is one of them; he said McDonald’s should focus heavily on delivering what he thinks customers want right now — namely, a more affordable dining experience.

Read more on MarketWatch

A street performer, Fito dreams of opening a vegan restaurant that will offer his community access to affordable, healthful meals.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Its supporters foresee a wave of new construction that alleviates the state’s severe shortage of affordable housing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The question is whether we allow those changes to be sustainable and affordable, or chaotic and costly.”

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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.