is not affordable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not affordable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the cost of something that is beyond someone's financial means. Example: "The new smartphone model is not affordable for most consumers this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Moving out is not affordable, he said.

The New York Times

"It is not affordable for African countries".

The Guardian

The city of Seattle is not affordable even if you make $15 an hour.

The Guardian - Money

A private parenting practitioner is not affordable for those that really need parenting support.

The Guardian

Monitor's report says: "The current level of deficit is not affordable".

The Guardian

As a former Housing Minister, Tory chairman Grant Shapps should know that 80 per cent of this is not affordable.

Independent

The part about E.D. being binding that makes me nervous is what if the financial aid package is not affordable?

The New York Times

It is not affordable and the figures do not add up, as the housing industry has said.

The Guardian

Although Abbott has dropped the price in Africa, it nevertheless costs $500 a year in Nigeria and is not affordable.

The Guardian - Business

The law specifies that employer-sponsored insurance is not affordable if a worker's share of the premium is more than 9.5 percent of the worker's household income.

The New York Times

So, if New York City is not affordable then the great art that we have is not going to be here, because people can't afford it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial constraints, use "is not affordable" to clearly communicate that something cannot be purchased or maintained within a given budget. For example: "Luxury cars are not affordable for most families."

Common error

Avoid assuming that if something is "not affordable" for you, it's the same for everyone. Affordability is relative and depends on individual or organizational financial situations. Always contextualize your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not affordable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's characteristic of being beyond financial reach. Ludwig examples show this usage across various contexts, indicating its role in expressing limitations related to cost.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not affordable" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something's cost is beyond reach. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various communication scenarios. When writing, remember that affordability is relative and provide context. Alternatives include "is too expensive" and "is beyond budget".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is too expensive

Directly indicates a high price, focusing on the cost being excessive.

is beyond budget

Highlights that something exceeds the allocated financial resources.

is out of reach financially

Emphasizes the lack of financial means to obtain something.

costs too much

Simple and direct way of saying the price is too high.

is prohibitively priced

Indicates the price is so high it prevents purchase.

is financially unsustainable

Focuses on the inability to maintain the cost over time.

is priced beyond means

Highlights that the price exceeds someone's financial capacity.

is not economically viable

Suggests that purchasing something wouldn't make economic sense.

is unreasonably expensive

Indicates that the price is not justified by the value.

is outside the realm of possibility

Highlights that something it's impossible to afford.

FAQs

How can I use "is not affordable" in a sentence?

You can use "is not affordable" to express that something's cost exceeds someone's or an organization's financial capacity. For example, "The new healthcare plan "is not affordable" for many low-income families".

What are some alternatives to "is not affordable"?

Alternatives include "is too expensive", "is beyond budget", or "is out of reach financially". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "unaffordable" or "is not affordable"?

Both are correct, but "is not affordable" is often used to soften the statement or provide context. "Unaffordable" is a more direct and absolute term. Consider the tone and context when choosing between the two.

Can "is not affordable" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "is not affordable" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to state financial limitations. Just ensure the tone fits the document's overall style and purpose.