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
Critics question the safety and viability of such endeavors.
—Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Described as the largest steam-producing heat pump ever built, the plant demonstrates the technical and commercial viability of large-scale heat pump technology for energy-intensive industries.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026
Weakening regulations on the nation's coal fleet and its toxic byproducts, from air pollution to coal ash, has been at the center of the administration's effort to improve the economic viability of using coal to generate electricity.
—Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
Semi-finalists will be announced June 19, with finalists on July 3 and the winner on July 24, chosen based on creativity and commercial viability.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for viability
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Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Described as the largest steam-producing heat pump ever built, the plant demonstrates the technical and commercial viability of large-scale heat pump technology for energy-intensive industries.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026
Weakening regulations on the nation's coal fleet and its toxic byproducts, from air pollution to coal ash, has been at the center of the administration's effort to improve the economic viability of using coal to generate electricity.
—Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
Semi-finalists will be announced June 19, with finalists on July 3 and the winner on July 24, chosen based on creativity and commercial viability.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 Feb. 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 24 Feb. 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
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