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
The company is evaluating store performance, location viability, and market conditions to determine which outlets will close, reposition the chain, and plan for future growth and innovation.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
The Post’s second bet is on the viability of text at a moment when fewer people are reading articles online, and as tech platforms are cannibalizing search traffic and directing users away from news.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Feb. 2026
McCuan said based on polling, candidates like Thurmond and Yee with support in the low single digits may be nearing the end of their viability.
—Grace Hase, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026
Bitcoin Price and Network Fundamentals Since the success of crypto markets is determined in part by market sentiment, network strength, and health can similarly influence Bitcoin price, especially in terms of long-term viability.
—Ethan Stone, IndyStar, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for viability
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Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
The Post’s second bet is on the viability of text at a moment when fewer people are reading articles online, and as tech platforms are cannibalizing search traffic and directing users away from news.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Feb. 2026
McCuan said based on polling, candidates like Thurmond and Yee with support in the low single digits may be nearing the end of their viability.
—Grace Hase, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026
Bitcoin Price and Network Fundamentals Since the success of crypto markets is determined in part by market sentiment, network strength, and health can similarly influence Bitcoin price, especially in terms of long-term viability.
—Ethan Stone, IndyStar, 30 Jan. 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 12 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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