unaffordable

American  

[uhn-uh-fawrd-uh-buhl] / ʌn əˈfɔrd ə bəl /

adjective

1. too high in price to afford.

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Explanation

If something is unaffordable, it's too expensive. A house that costs millions of dollars is unaffordable for almost everyone. This adjective often describes things that cost too much money for the average person, like unaffordable rents in a particular city or unaffordable health care. When you can afford something, it's within financial reach; you can manage to purchase it. Unaffordable things are priced too high for your budget or bank account, like those ultra-rare sneakers you covet.

Example Sentences

He said Japan’s famous ski resorts are becoming increasingly unaffordable, which he blamed on an influx of tourists.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

As home prices nationwide have soared to near record and often unaffordable levels, Austin’s housing market has seen supplies increase, prices decline, and sales rise.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

Energy UK, which represents suppliers, said energy bills remained unaffordable for many people.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

“It was making the equipment unaffordable, and the actual benefit was nothing.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

The MD offered antibiotics and antispasmodics but Jeanne had no insurance, the remedies were unaffordable.

From How and When to Be Your Own Doctor by Solomon, Steve