affluence

noun

af·​flu·​ence ˈa-(ˌ)flü-ən(t)s 

also

a-ˈflü- 

or ə-

1

a

: abundance of property : wealth

rose from poverty to affluence

b

: an abundant flow or supply : profusion

… to attain that breadth and height, that wealth of muscle, that affluence of flesh.

—Charlotte Brontë

2

: a flowing to or toward a point : influx

Did you know?

What is the origin of affluence?

Affluence comes from the Latin verb affluere, "to flow abundantly". Thus, someone or something blessed with affluence has received an incoming flood of riches. Since the affluent residents of suburbs often work in the central city but pay taxes back home, the wealth of some metropolitan areas tends to flow in one direction—out.

Synonyms of affluence

• influx

Examples of affluence in a Sentence

this affluence of new students is straining an already crowded school system

Recent Examples on the Web

The 2008 crisis was when people stopped believing in ever-rising progress and affluence. —Literary Hub, 2 June 2026

In interviews, both candidates emphasized their ties to Colorado and — despite their business success and affluence as adults — more humble upbringings. —Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 1 June 2026

And a team’s ability to secure corporate sponsorships depends partly on the city’s affluence and corporate business presence. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026

In a roundabout way, the country’s affluence might be contributing to its pessimism. —Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 24 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "abundance, profusion," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin affluentia, noun derivative of affluent-, affluens affluent entry 1 — more at -ence

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

affluence

noun

af·​flu·​ence ˈaf-ˌlü-ən(t)s 

also

a-ˈflü- 

ə-ˈflü-

: the state of having much wealth or property