viability

noun

vi·​a·​bil·​i·​ty ˌvī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce viability (audio)
Synonyms of viabilitynext
: 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
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.
Enhancing the power conversion efficiency, operational stability The team also highlighted that the enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability is imperative for the commercial viability of polymer solar cells (PSCs). Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Feb. 2026 There is constant uncertainty about compensation, benefits and long-term viability. Brian Bender, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026 In refusing to bow to an administration that has been intent on bullying private companies into submission, Amodei and his team are taking a bold stand on ethical grounds, and risking a censure that could erode Anthropic’s long-term viability. Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026 Primarily, by designing the tour to include key areas in the South – Nashville, Atlanta, and South Carolina – Newsom is hoping to demonstrate his popularity – and electoral viability – out of cozier, more liberal confines. Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for viability

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of viability was in 1837

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Viability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viability. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on viability

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster