inviable

adjective

in·​vi·​a·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈvī-ə-bəl 

: incapable of surviving especially because of a deleterious genetic constitution

inviability

(ˌ)in-ˌvī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

It is largely believed peppers developed capsaicin as a defense mechanism to prevent animals — likely rodents, whose grinding teeth render seeds inviable — from eating them. —Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Nov. 2022

However, while both early embryos and late fetuses can become inviable due to genetic errors, early and late abortions are regulated very differently. —Kathryn Kavanagh, The Conversation, 1 Sep. 2022

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

inviable

adjective

in·​vi·​a·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈvī-ə-bəl 

: incapable of surviving especially because of a deleterious genetic constitution

inviability

(ˌ)in-ˌvī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural inviabilities