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
All the banks summoned to the meeting are considered systemically important, meaning their viability is key for the global financial ecosystem, Bloomberg reported.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026
The economic subsidy continues to support Rodeo 39 and assist the company in recouping a portion of its significant development costs to help ensure Rodeo 39’s long-term viability.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026
Strong winds, poor visibility and high surf can all interfere with the viability of a splashdown, but NASA has not shared concerns about the timing or safety of the crew’s return.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The combination of new ownership and the viability of the Spanish market could jumpstart the franchise’s commercial performance.
—Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for viability
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Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026
The economic subsidy continues to support Rodeo 39 and assist the company in recouping a portion of its significant development costs to help ensure Rodeo 39’s long-term viability.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026
Strong winds, poor visibility and high surf can all interfere with the viability of a splashdown, but NASA has not shared concerns about the timing or safety of the crew’s return.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The combination of new ownership and the viability of the Spanish market could jumpstart the franchise’s commercial performance.
—Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 9 Apr. 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 14 Apr. 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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