Unaffordable: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when something costs too much for someone to buy or use, suggesting it is beyond their financial means.

• The rent in the city has become unaffordable for many young families.
• Healthcare in some countries is unaffordable for a large portion of the population.

Commonly used to describe something that requires a lot of money to buy or use. It implies high price but not necessarily unaffordability.

• They bought an expensive car.
• Eating out at that restaurant is always expensive.

Suitable for describing something that has a high price, often implying significant financial impact, but not necessarily beyond reach.

• Replacing the roof was a costly repair for the homeowners.
• Their decision to delay the project turned out to be a costly mistake.

Used when prices are so high that they prevent people from buying or using something. Often used in a formal context.

• The cost of the tickets was prohibitive, so they decided not to go to the concert.
• Insurance premiums have become prohibitive for many small business owners.