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

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

Despite what Novo has touted as CagriSema's superior benefits over rival treatments, analysts have repeatedly questioned its commercial viability after the drug failed to beat Lilly's medicines that are already available. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

Yet the lack of visibility on the final weekend of the campaign by the two biggest Republican names on the ballot raised serious questions about the viability of their candidacies heading into Tuesday. — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

How Economic Necessity Moves Markets​ For farmers considering transition, the conversation is increasingly centered on risk management and long-term economic viability. — Jeff Tkach, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

For her part, Benson still has faith in the technology’s viability, despite the failures. — Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for viability

• ability
• agility
• civility
• debility
• docility
• ductility
• facility
• fertility
• fragility
• futility
• gentility
• hostility

Medical 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