viability
noun
vi·a·bil·i·ty
ˌvī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: 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
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
Wall Street JournalGetting an informed start now may be essential to future growth and economic viability of the U.S. wine industry.—Gordon W Murchie
Gordon W MurchieExamples of viability in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Even as some Republicans in Washington have raised concerns about Paxton’s general election viability, Toth dismissed those warnings, arguing current polling shows no Democratic advantage.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2026
In North Texas, higher oil prices are likely to impact the profitability and viability of construction projects across the region, according to construction industry officials.
—Alison Saldanha, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
In order to pay for their investments, private-equity companies raised money from major financial institutions—but now the viability of those lease payments is coming into question as the hyperscalers’ cash flow is strained.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
JetBlue has tapped advisers to assess the viability of selling itself to a rival airline, and has specifically scenario-planned how a deal with United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or Southwest Airlines might fare in Washington, according to people familiar with the matter.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for viability
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2026
In North Texas, higher oil prices are likely to impact the profitability and viability of construction projects across the region, according to construction industry officials.
—Alison Saldanha, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
In order to pay for their investments, private-equity companies raised money from major financial institutions—but now the viability of those lease payments is coming into question as the hyperscalers’ cash flow is strained.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
JetBlue has tapped advisers to assess the viability of selling itself to a rival airline, and has specifically scenario-planned how a deal with United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or Southwest Airlines might fare in Washington, according to people familiar with the matter.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for viability
Cite this Entry
“Viability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viability. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
viability
noun
vi·a·bil·i·ty
ˌvī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural viabilities
: the quality or state of being viable : the ability to live, grow, and develop
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
