afford

Universal Words verb 1 [nopassive] (usually used with can, could or be able to, especially in negative sentences or questions) to have enough money or time to be able to buy or to do sth: [VN] Can we afford a new car? * None of them could afford ｣50 for a ticket. * She felt she couldn't afford any more time off work. * I'd give up work if I could afford it. * [Vtoinf] We can't afford to go abroad this summer. * She never took a taxi, even though she could afford to. * [VNtoinf] He couldn't then afford the money to go on the trip. 2 [nopassive] (usually used with can or could, especially in negative sentences and questions) if you say that you can't afford to do sth, you mean that you should not do it because it will cause problems for you if you do: [Vtoinf] We cannot afford to ignore this warning. * (formal) They could ill afford to lose any more staff. * [VN] We cannot afford any more delays. 3 (formal) to provide sb with sth: [VN] The tree affords some shelter from the sun. * The legislation aims to afford protection to employees. * [VNN] The programme affords young people the chance to gain work experience. affordability noun [U] affordable adjective: affordable prices / housing