be unaffordable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be unaffordable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that cannot be afforded or is too expensive for someone to purchase or maintain. Example: "Due to the rising costs of living, many families find that housing prices in the city can be unaffordable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That could be unaffordable.

The Economist

The risks will be unaffordable.

The Guardian

Put simply, O'Neill may be unaffordable.

The Guardian - Sport

"However, this will be unaffordable for many people".

Independent

But she is scared it may be unaffordable.

The Economist

These products were literally designed to be unaffordable.

The Economist

The capital would be unaffordable within a decade.

The Guardian

"The cost of this adventurism will be unaffordable".

The Guardian

The majority of one-bedroom homes in the south-east would be unaffordable within 10 years.

The Guardian

But his interest rate and down-payment will be much higher—and may be unaffordable.

The Economist

Consumers with cancelled plans need only say that they consider insurance to be unaffordable, loosely defined.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be unaffordable", clearly specify who or what cannot afford the item or service to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be unaffordable" without a specific reference. Saying 'Healthcare is unaffordable' is less effective than 'Healthcare is becoming unaffordable for low-income families'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be unaffordable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as being too expensive to be afforded. It often follows a linking verb (e.g., is, will be, may be) and modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating its financial unattainability, as seen in Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be unaffordable" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is too expensive for someone to afford. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage across various sources, primarily in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using "be unaffordable", ensure the context is clear regarding who or what finds something unaffordable. Alternatives like "be prohibitively expensive" can be used for emphasis. Remember to avoid overgeneralizations and provide specific references to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be too expensive to afford

Directly states that the expense is beyond affordability.

be prohibitively expensive

Emphasizes the extreme cost making it impossible to afford.

be beyond one's means

Highlights that something exceeds someone's financial capacity.

be out of reach financially

Focuses on the inaccessibility due to financial constraints.

cost an arm and a leg

An idiom that vividly describes something very expensive.

be excessively priced

Highlights that the pricing is over the top and prevents purchase.

be financially unattainable

Indicates something cannot be reached due to financial reasons.

break the bank

An idiom suggesting the cost would deplete one's savings.

strain one's budget

Highlights that the cost would put pressure on a budget.

be an excessive burden

Highlights financial implications due to high costs.

FAQs

How can I use "be unaffordable" in a sentence?

You can use "be unaffordable" to describe something that is too expensive for a particular person or group to purchase or maintain. For example, 'With rising tuition costs, college may "be unaffordable" for many families'.

What are some alternatives to saying "be unaffordable"?

Alternatives include "be prohibitively expensive", "be beyond one's means", or "be out of reach financially" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "be unaffordable" and "be expensive"?

"Be expensive" simply indicates a high price, while "be unaffordable" implies that the price is too high for someone to pay. Something can "be expensive" without necessarily /s/be+unaffordable being unaffordable to everyone.

Is it correct to say "will be unaffordable"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "will be unaffordable" indicates that something is expected to become too expensive in the future. For example, 'Analysts predict that housing in major cities "will be unaffordable" for most young adults within a decade'.