B1verbmoney
US/əˈfɔːrd/
UK/əˈfɔːd/
to have enough money or time to buy or do something
In context
Many young couples can't afford to buy an apartment in the city centre.
We can't afford another mistake like this before the deadline.
I'd love a new laptop, but I can't afford one right now.
Words that go with afford
verb + noun
- afford a houseMost nurses can't afford a house in this area.
- afford the rentAfter losing his job, he couldn't afford the rent.
- afford the timeI'd like to help, but I can't afford the time this week.
- afford the costFew families can afford the cost of studying abroad.
adverb + verb
- easily affordWith two incomes, they can easily afford a car.
- hardly affordWe could hardly afford food at the end of the month.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I don't afford a car.Correct: I can't afford a car.
Incorrect:
We can't afford buying a new house.Correct: We can't afford to buy a new house.