# unaffordable

/ənəˈfɔɹdəbəɫ/ (US) · /ʌnɐfˈɔːdəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unaffordable
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

too expensive for you to buy or pay for without real difficulty.

For teachers: beyond the financial means of an average person or household to buy or sustain. Typically describes housing, childcare, healthcare, or other major costs.

## Examples

- This flat is unaffordable for most young families.
- Rents in the city centre have become unaffordable for nurses and teachers on average salaries.
- What was once modest family housing near the coast is now largely unaffordable, driven by investor demand and limited new supply.

## Synonyms

prohibitive

## Antonyms

affordable

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before a noun or after a linking verb such as 'be', 'seem' or 'become'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.