VocabDictionary

unaffordable

/ˌʌn.əˈfɔːr.də.bəl/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Too expensive for a person or organization to be able to buy or pay for.

Example Sentences:
  • Many young people find that housing in the city center is completely unaffordable.
  • Due to rising healthcare costs, medical insurance has become unaffordable for small business owners.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “unaffordable” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “unaffordable”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Formed by combining the negative prefix 'un-' (Old English 'un-') with 'affordable', which derives from the verb 'afford' (from Old English 'ge-fōrdian', meaning 'to further, advance, or provide'). The suffix '-able' comes from Latin '-abilis', denoting capability or fitness.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Break it down: UN (not) + AFFORD (have enough money for) + ABLE (can be). Something you are UN-ABLE to AFFORD.

Frequently Asked Questions About “unaffordable

1. What is the meaning of “unaffordable” in English?

In English, unaffordable (adjective) is defined as: “Too expensive for a person or organization to be able to buy or pay for.”.

2. How do you use “unaffordable” in a sentence?

Many young people find that housing in the city center is completely unaffordable.

3. What are English synonyms of “unaffordable”?

Common synonyms include:costly,exorbitant,prohibitive,expensive

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “unaffordable”?

Formed by combining the negative prefix 'un-' (Old English 'un-') with 'affordable', which derives from the verb 'afford' (from Old English 'ge-fōrdian', meaning 'to further, advance, or provide'). The suffix '-able' comes from Latin '-abilis', denoting capability or fitness.