become unaffordable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become unaffordable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing items, services, or living costs that are increasingly difficult to afford. Example: "Due to rising inflation, many essential goods have started to become unaffordable for the average consumer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But his hobby has become unaffordable.

The New York Times - Arts

The city has become unaffordable, across the board".

The New York Times

One reason is that London, once the main landing pad for new immigrants, has become unaffordable.

The Economist

David Cameron, the Prime Minister, has said that without modernisation the NHS will become unaffordable.

Independent

They have become unaffordable as global oil prices have more than doubled between 2009 and 2012.

The Economist

"Meanwhile for clients, rising steel prices create the risk that projects become unaffordable.

The Guardian - Business

According to her, without her subsidy her health insurance would become unaffordable.

The Guardian

Mr. Scarano noted that all too often artists move into affordable areas that soon become unaffordable.

The New York Times

We are now at the point where quality housing has become unaffordable for many people.

The Guardian

What happens when critical improvements that affect all tenants become unaffordable?

The New York Times

As a result, our living situations have become unaffordable, precarious and downright terrifying.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and tailor your language accordingly; in formal contexts, more precise terms like "cost-prohibitive" may be preferable, while informal settings allow for simpler phrases like "too expensive".

Common error

Avoid vague statements about things "becoming unaffordable" without providing concrete examples or supporting data. For instance, instead of saying "housing is becoming unaffordable", specify which types of housing in which locations are affected and quantify the cost increases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become unaffordable" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transition to a state where something is no longer within financial reach. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across various subjects, from housing and healthcare to antiques and even entire cities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "become unaffordable" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the increasing difficulty in affording something, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly used in News & Media, it conveys a shift in financial accessibility. While "become unaffordable" is widely applicable, specifying what is becoming unaffordable and why strengthens your message. Consider alternatives like ""become too expensive"" or ""become cost-prohibitive"" for nuanced communication. Remember, avoiding overgeneralization and providing specific examples will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become too expensive

Focuses directly on the increasing cost.

become cost-prohibitive

Emphasizes that the cost is now a barrier.

escalate beyond budget

Highlights exceeding budget limits.

grow out of reach

Implies a gradual distancing from affordability.

become unsustainable financially

Addresses the long-term financial burden.

exceed one's financial capacity

Highlights the limit to what one can afford.

prove to be beyond one's means

Underscores inability to pay.

become economically unviable

Addresses the economic reasons making something unaffordable.

become too dear

Uses a more old-fashioned expression for unaffordability.

bankrupt the average consumer

A more dramatic way to say that consumers cannot afford a product.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is said to "become unaffordable"?

When something is said to "become unaffordable", it means its price has increased to a point where many people can no longer afford it. Factors like inflation, stagnant wages, or increased demand can cause items or services to "become too expensive".

What are some common reasons for things to "become unaffordable"?

Common reasons include inflation, increased production costs, supply chain disruptions, higher taxes, and stagnant wages. These factors can lead to goods and services "growing out of reach" for many people.

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

You can use "become unaffordable" to describe goods, services, or even lifestyles that are increasingly difficult to afford. For example: "Due to rising healthcare costs, medical treatments are starting to "become cost-prohibitive" for many families."

What can I say instead of "become unaffordable"?

Alternatives include "become too expensive", "become cost-prohibitive", "grow out of reach", or "become financially unsustainable", depending on the context.