viable

adjective vi·a·ble \ ˈvī-ə-bəl \

Definition of viable

1 a :capable of living

a viable skin graft

viable offspring

b of a fetus :having attained such form and development of organs as to be normally capable of surviving outside the uterus

a 26-week old viable fetus

c :capable of growing or developing

viable seeds

viable eggs

2 a :capable of working, functioning, or developing adequately

viable alternatives

b :capable of existence and development as an independent unit

The colony is now a viable state.

c (1) :having a reasonable chance of succeeding

a viable candidate

(2) :financially sustainable

a viable enterprise

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viability

play \ˌvī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

—

viably

play \ˈvī-ə-blē\ adverb

See viable defined for English-language learners

See viable defined for kids

Examples of viable in a Sentence

The departure point for a viable peace deal—either with Syria or the Palestinians—must not be based purely on what the political traffic in Israel will bear, but on the requirements of all sides. —Aaron David Miller, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2009
As gene therapy begins to enjoy some preliminary successes, scientists at the World Anti-Doping Agency, which oversees drug testing for the Olympics, have started to worry that dopers might now see abuse of gene therapy in sport as a viable option, though the practice was banned by WADA in 2003. —Patrick Barry, Science News, 2 Aug. 2008
Under today's forest management practices, few trees die natural deaths and fewer still attain the girth of the old-growth trees that supported the ivory-bill. The sad fact is that there is really no place in the United States today where a viable population of ivory-bills could persist even if captive reared birds were on hand to stock a release program. —John Terborgh, New York Review of Books, 26 Apr. 2007
To ponder [John] Updike's work in now old-fashioned sociopolitical terms, it might be said that he examines our struggle to maintain a viable center for our inner life while enduring the most revolutionary force in history—American capitalism. —Robert Stone, New York Times Book Review, 18 June 2006
At stake is the survival of our civilization and the habitability of the Earth. Or, as one eminent scientist put it, the pending question is whether the combination of an opposable thumb and a neocortex is a viable combination on this planet. —Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth, 2006
When a patient agrees to forego a bed at the Portland VA—so far 75% of viable candidates have agreed to do so—a small "strike force" swings into action. The patient is sent home, typically with various medicines, oxygen tanks, and sometimes, a mobile X-ray machine. A nurse visits every day to perform tests, provide IV infusions and monitor medications. As a backup, a physician is on 24-hour standby for emergencies. —Gautam Naik, Wall Street Journal, 19 Apr. 2006
Another truth is that corks expire with age. A few wineries recognize that fact and recork their library wines every 25 years or so, but that's not a viable process for most collectors. —James Laube, Wine Spectator, 31 Mar. 2005
a viable solution to the problem
He could not suggest a viable alternative.
Is she a viable candidate?

Recent Examples of viable from the Web

Furthermore, many drafters don’t understand which quarterbacks are actually viable in two-QB fantasy.

— greg smith, SI.com, "Advice and Strategy for Two-Quarterback and Superflex Leagues," 31 Aug. 2017
Perhaps the ASP will become a viable political home for Catholics looking for a party that affirms the Church’s social teaching.

— jeff cimmino, National Review, "The American Solidarity Party Charts Its Own Path," 7 Aug. 2017
Today, a group of scientists, led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov at the Oregon Health & Science University, report in the journal Nature the successful use of a gene editing technology to correct a disease-causing mutation in viable human embryos.

— james kath, Scientific American Blog Network, "Brave New World? Not Even Close," 2 Aug. 2017
This year, voters in several major cities will have viable Black-women candidates running for mayor.

— glynda carr, Essence.com, "Getting Out Of The ‘Sunken Place’ Of Politics: Black Women Are Key To Future Progressive Wins," 25 July 2017
While there might not be character arcs to speak of, the performances are first-rate nonetheless (even pop star Harry Styles, who might just have another viable career option).

— lindsey bahr, Cincinnati.com, "Review: ‘Dunkirk’ is the best film of the year," 20 July 2017
In a marathon session lasting well past midnight, the Senate voted to allow abortions when a mother’s life is in danger, when the fetus is not viable, and in cases of rape.

— eva vergara, The Seattle Times, "Chile Senate OKs bill allowing abortion in some cases," 19 July 2017
The Senate voted to allow abortions when a mother’s life is in danger, when the fetus is not viable and in cases of rape.

— Washington Post, "World Digest: July 19, 2017," 19 July 2017
Scoles: To convince people that SETI was viable, Tarter had to go both big-picture and small-detail.

— marina koren, The Atlantic, "Jill Tarter, Feminist Cosmic Icon," 12 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'viable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of viable

French, from Middle French, from vie life, from Latin vita — more at vital

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1832

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viable Synonyms

VIABLE Defined for English Language Learners

viable

adjective

Definition of viable for English Language Learners

: capable of being done or used
: capable of succeeding
: capable of living or of developing into a living thing

VIABLE Defined for Kids

viable

adjective vi·a·ble \ ˈvī-ə-bəl \

Definition of viable for Students

1 :capable of living or growing

viable seeds

2 :possible to use or apply

a viable plan

Medical Dictionary

viable

adjective vi·a·ble \ ˈvī-ə-bəl \

medical Definition of viable

1 :capable of living

the skin graft was viable

viable cancer cells

; especially :having attained such form and development as to be normally capable of surviving outside the uterus

a 26-week old viable fetus

2 :capable of growing or developing

viable eggs

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