is unaffordable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unaffordable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be afforded or is too expensive for someone to purchase or maintain. Example: "The new car model is unaffordable for most families in our area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our public sector pensions system is unaffordable.

The Economist

Property is unaffordable for many, he says.

The Guardian

Critics claim a universal scheme is unaffordable.

The Guardian - Business

So don't believe the canard that health reform is unaffordable.

The New York Times

The one option that is unaffordable is doing nothing.

The Guardian

Britain says €50bn is "unaffordable" and €22bn is not enough.

The Guardian

"It's possible that the model is unaffordable at scale.

The Guardian

Higher pay is unaffordable, and workload apparently irreducible.

The Guardian

2) It is unaffordable for most poor countries – untrue.

The Guardian

"The current pension scheme is unaffordable over the long term.

The Guardian

For poor countries such equipment is unaffordable, says Ghana's Dr Gebe.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the degree to which something is unaffordable, use adverbs like 'increasingly', 'completely', or 'utterly' before the phrase. For example, 'Housing in the city is increasingly unaffordable'.

Common error

Avoid stating that something "is unaffordable" without specifying for whom or under what circumstances. Instead of saying "Education is unaffordable", specify "Higher education is unaffordable for low-income families".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unaffordable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of being beyond one's financial means. It communicates that something's cost exceeds a person's or entity's capacity to pay. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is unaffordable" effectively communicates that something exceeds one's financial capacity, and it is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig. Its frequent use in contexts ranging from news reports to scientific papers highlights its relevance in discussions about economic feasibility. The related phrases provide alternative ways to express similar meanings, while the writing guidance helps ensure clarity and specificity in its application. With primary usage in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, the phrase serves as a straightforward means of expressing financial limitations or constraints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is too expensive

Focuses on the high cost, making it difficult to purchase.

is beyond my budget

Indicates limited resources.

is beyond reach

Indicates something cannot be obtained or achieved, often due to cost.

is out of the question

Emphasizes impossibility or unsuitability due to financial constraints.

is economically unfeasible

Highlights the lack of economic viability.

is prohibitively costly

Stresses the deterring effect of the expense.

is not viable

Suggests that a plan or project is impossible to do successfully.

is financially prohibitive

Emphasizes the financial obstacles.

cannot be sustained

Highlights the lack of economic support.

is not sustainable

Suggests that current prices won't last over time.

FAQs

What does "is unaffordable" mean?

The phrase "is unaffordable" means something costs too much for a particular person or group to purchase or maintain. It indicates a lack of sufficient financial resources.

What can I say instead of "is unaffordable"?

You can use alternatives like "is too expensive", "is beyond reach", or "is beyond my budget" depending on the context.

How do I use "is unaffordable" in a sentence?

You can use "is unaffordable" to describe various items or services. For example, "The new medicine is unaffordable for many patients" or "Housing in that neighborhood is becoming increasingly unaffordable".

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

"Unaffordable" is a more concise and direct way of saying "not affordable". Both are grammatically correct, but "unaffordable" is often preferred in formal writing for its brevity.