B1verb1K

Afford

UK /["/əˈfɔːd/","/əˈfɔːdz/","/əˈfɔːdɪd/","/əˈfɔːdɪŋ/"]/US /["/əˈfɔːrd/","/əˈfɔːrdz/","/əˈfɔːrdɪd/","/əˈfɔːrdɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to have enough money to be able to buy or do something

In simple words: To have enough money or resources to do something.

Examples

  • I can afford to buy a new car this year.
  • She hopes to afford a vacation next summer.
  • They couldn't afford the luxury apartment in the city.
  • If you save money, you might afford a nicer home.
  • The company can't afford to lose any more clients.
  • This job allows me to afford a comfortable lifestyle.
  • You need to assess if you can afford the costs involved.
  • She can afford to be generous with her time.

Usage notes

Use 'afford' when discussing financial capacity. It can be used in both everyday conversation and in more serious contexts, but avoid using it in overly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

afford + object

Memory hint

Think of 'a-ford' — imagine you need a Ford car but can't pay for it.

Collocations

  • easily
  • well
  • barely
  • be able to
  • can
  • be unable to

Synonyms

  • bear
  • manage
  • finance
  • pay for
  • provide

Antonyms

  • cannot afford
  • impoverish
  • deny

Common mistakes

  • Saying 'afford to buy' instead of 'afford to buy it'.
  • Confusing 'afford' with 'affection' because they sound similar.
  • Using 'afford' without an object (e.g., saying 'I can't afford' without stating what).