affordability
Americannoun
Explanation
Affordability is a quality of being inexpensive. Because of the affordability of the apples at the orchard, we went ahead and bought a whole bushel. The adjective affordability describes things you can afford to pay for because they don't cost too much. People move to certain neighborhoods because of the affordability of housing there, and others decide the affordability of community college makes it a great place to get an education. Sometimes this word is used to mean "cost or price," so someone might say, "The affordability of healthcare these days is just terrible!"
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.
Still, buying activity is “subdued, with applications below year-ago levels for the second straight week as economic uncertainty and affordability pressures continue to affect homebuyer demand.”
From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026
The downturn reflects stretched housing affordability, trepidation over U.S. trade policy, and softness in the labor market.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026
For buyers, affordability is king, and many are second-guessing what they can afford if rates spike.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026
One of Mamdani's biggest campaign pledges - at the heart of his affordability agenda - was providing universal childcare for New Yorkers.
From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026
When he finished speaking, much of the talk in the room turned to affordability.
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
