The approach to R&D is changing because long-term research was a luxury only a monopoly could afford.

研发的方式正在改变，因为长期研究在过去是只有垄断企业能搞得起的奢侈活动。

youdao

in such a way that after the rates were raised, they likely couldn't afford to pay the mortgage anymore or they'd be under great stress in trying to do so.

这种“引逗利率，以至于到后来他们没有能力偿还贷款,或者为了还贷给生活造成巨大压力。

耶鲁公开课 - 金融市场课程节选

Is there a lower-end line of speakers that the pros use that I'd be able to afford?

ENGADGET

It's created opportunities for people who feared they'd never be able to afford a house.

NPR: Homebuyer Looks For Deals In Short Sales

For homeowners to qualify they'd have to be able to afford a reasonable interest rate, and their lender would have to take a haircut on the loan.

NPR: Rep. Frank: Use $300 Billion to Fight Foreclosures