viability

noun

vi·​a·​bil·​i·​ty ˌvī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce viability (audio)
: the quality or state of being viable: such as
a(1)
: the ability to live, grow, and develop
the viability of seeds under dry conditions
(2)
: the capability of a fetus to survive outside the uterus
fetal viability
b
: the ability to function adequately
The viability of lymphocytes serially harvested from stored bank blood …Biological Abstracts
c
: the ability to succeed or be sustained
This year's market turmoil had called into question the viability of the investment-banking business model …Wall Street Journal
Getting an informed start now may be essential to future growth and economic viability of the U.S. wine industry.Gordon W Murchie

Examples of viability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Rolling Loud’s gamble that West can still draw crowds will be a test of his viability as a touring act. August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 The patient dropped them to the ground, ending their viability. USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 Whether through bank records, contracts, or business plans, applicants must showcase the legitimacy and viability of their enterprise. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Its viability and its personhood depend on its receiving support from the body of the person who carries it. Darryl Wright, Orange County Register, 2 Mar. 2024 The plan to build in the median is one of the main reasons the project will be easier to develop than California high-speed rail, which has been mired in questions over its viability amid cost overruns and delays. Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2024 The outcome of this case could establish a precedent for future contract negotiations in professional sports, influencing decisions on where elite athletes choose to pursue their careers and the financial viability of Canadian franchises. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Analysts welcomed the rice distribution initiative but questioned its viability in tackling Nigeria’s worsening food insecurity. Nimi Princewill, CNN, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'viability.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of viability was in 1837

Dictionary Entries Near viability

Cite this Entry

“Viability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viability. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

viability

noun
vi·​a·​bil·​i·​ty ˌvī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce viability (audio)
plural viabilities
: the quality or state of being viable : the ability to live, grow, and develop
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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