cannot be afforded

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot be afforded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is too expensive or not possible to have. For example, "This luxury car cannot be afforded on my current salary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The alternative simply cannot be afforded and would cause considerable further economic damage.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Liberal Democrats have said that the expansion should be halted, as it cannot be afforded.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Italian cannot be afforded many more chances after such an insipid display.

Independent

In America, or at the "express" barbershops in Japan, such time is a luxury that cannot be afforded.

The New York Times

So what cannot be procured through the tunnels from Egypt, or cannot be afforded, is fixed and recycled.

The Guardian

Secondly, it is unhelpful in the current climate for engagement exercises to result in a wishlist that takes no account of what can and cannot be afforded.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Since the church is financially dependent on lay people, that sort of row cannot, literally, be afforded either.

The Guardian - Opinion

For instance, the installation of inductive loop sensors generates traffic perturbations that cannot always be afforded in dense traffic areas.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Medication, vitamins, soap and clothing – things they cannot otherwise afford – are given out.

The Guardian

The one thing the planet cannot afford is climate change.

The Guardian

"What I know you cannot afford is throwing the hardware away," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "is not affordable" or "is too costly" for variety.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be afforded" in situations where something is undesirable for reasons other than cost. It's specifically about financial infeasibility, not general unsuitability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be afforded" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject that lacks the necessary financial resources. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and frequently used. For example, "The luxury of resting star players for a postseason run cannot be afforded this season."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be afforded" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses financial infeasibility. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts, including News & Media and Scientific publications. It indicates that something is too expensive or beyond one's means. To enhance your writing, consider synonyms like "is not affordable" or "is too expensive". Ensure the context clearly identifies who or what cannot afford something to avoid ambiguity. The phrase is generally appropriate for neutral to formal registers, and should be used when referring to an item, service or project being beyond a financial reach of someone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not affordable

Direct synonym, focusing on the aspect of affordability.

is too costly

Simple and direct way of saying something is too expensive.

is beyond one's means

Emphasizes the financial limits of an individual or entity.

is prohibitively expensive

Highlights the high cost as a barrier.

is out of reach

Suggests something is unattainable, often due to cost.

is not within budget

Similar to 'exceeds the budget', relating to set financial limits.

is more than one can bear

Implies an excessive burden, not always strictly financial.

exceeds the budget

Specifically relates to budgetary constraints.

is financially unsustainable

Focuses on the long-term economic viability.

is not economically viable

Highlights lack of economic feasibility.

FAQs

What does "cannot be afforded" mean?

It means that something is too expensive or beyond one's financial capacity to acquire or maintain. It indicates a lack of sufficient resources to cover the cost.

How can I use "cannot be afforded" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe items, services, or projects that are beyond the financial means of an individual, organization, or government. For example, "The new medical treatment "is not affordable" for many patients."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be afforded"?

Alternatives include "is too expensive", "is beyond one's means", or "is prohibitively expensive". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can't be afforded" instead of "cannot be afforded"?

Yes, "can't be afforded" is a contraction of "cannot be afforded" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. In formal writing, it's generally preferable to use the full form, "cannot be afforded".