Definition

Something that is too expensive for most people to buy or pay for.

Example

Many families find housing in the city to be unaffordable.

Conversation

Have you seen the prices for health insurance lately?

Yeah, it's shocking how unaffordable they've become.

I know! It's making me rethink my options completely.

Same here. I wish there were more affordable plans available.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unaffordable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "affordable" (from Old French *afordabil*, meaning able to be afforded). The word "unaffordable" means not able to be afforded or too expensive to buy.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'able to be afforded' — this helps you remember that 'unaffordable' means something that cannot be afforded.

Visually Confused Words