Unaffordable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unaffordable
[ˌʌnəˈfɔːdəbl ]
Definition
housing market
Not able to be afforded.
Synonyms
costly, expensive, prohibitive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unaffordable |
Use this when something costs too much for someone to buy or use, suggesting it is beyond their financial means.
|
| expensive |
Commonly used to describe something that requires a lot of money to buy or use. It implies high price but not necessarily unaffordability.
|
| costly |
Suitable for describing something that has a high price, often implying significant financial impact, but not necessarily beyond reach.
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| prohibitive |
Used when prices are so high that they prevent people from buying or using something. Often used in a formal context.
|
Examples of usage
- The prices in this area are unaffordable for most people.
- Many families find that buying a house in this city is unaffordable.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Economic Impact
- Rising housing prices have made home ownership unaffordable for many, especially in major cities.
- Student debt has reached levels where higher education is seen as unaffordable for a large portion of the population.
Cultural Perspectives
- In various cultures, the perception of what is unaffordable varies, often influenced by local economic status and living costs.
- In wealthier societies, things like luxury travel or high-end goods are often categorized as unaffordable for the average citizen.
Social Justice
- When essential services like healthcare become unaffordable, it can lead to unequal access, raising issues of social justice.
- Activists argue that the unaffordability of basic needs, such as housing or food, contributes to social inequality.
Literature
- Many writers explore themes of unaffordability in their works, highlighting characters who struggle against societal expectations and economic barriers.
- Books and films often depict characters striving to attain unaffordable dreams, symbolizing broader societal struggles.
Origin of 'unaffordable'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not', and 'affordable', which combines 'ford' (to provide) and '-able' (can be done).
- The term has been used since the mid-20th century, reflecting economic changes and rising costs.
The word 'unaffordable' is a relatively modern term, dating back to the late 20th century. It is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' to the word 'affordable', which itself is derived from the verb 'afford', meaning 'to have enough money to pay for'. The concept of affordability has become increasingly important in economic discussions, especially in relation to housing and healthcare.
See also: affordability, affordable, affordably.