viable

adjective

vi·a·ble | \ ˈvī-ə-bəl

Definition of viable

1a : 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

2a : 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

Other Words from viable Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about viable

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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 on the Web

But individual therapy—which can cost upwards of $200 per session and is rarely covered by insurance—isn’t financially viable for everyone. — Melanie Hamlett, Harper's BAZAAR, "Men Have No Friends and Women Bear the Burden," 2 May 2019 Still, preclinical and animal models support CBD as a viable therapy for anxiety, and multiple human case studies add to the evidence. — The Editors, Marie Claire, "10 Health Issues CBD Could Solve," 17 Apr. 2019 Advertising Of immediate concern is whether warmer water will allow harmful algae containing toxins to stay viable long enough for shellfish to eat them and pass toxins to marine mammals and people. — Dan Joling, The Seattle Times, "Pace of Bering Sea changes startles scientists," 16 Apr. 2019 Kuznetsov badly needs to complete an ongoing refit to remain viable. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Russia’s Beleaguered Aircraft Carrier Could Be Scrapped If New Repair Yard Can’t Be Found," 9 Apr. 2019 Lucky for you, pink goes hand in hand with spring decor, so you'll hardly be pressed for viable Easter options. — Madison Alcedo, Country Living, "The Real Meaning Behind the Colors of Easter," 8 Mar. 2019 Unfortunately, this fungus accumulates in the soil and remains viable for years. — Neil Sperry, San Antonio Express-News, "Once vincas succumb to fungus, that bed is dead to them," 22 June 2018 In their presentation last fall, university officials said the stadium required significant facility upgrades with a price tag of up to $10 million in order to remain viable as a site for Razorback games. — George Schroeder, USA TODAY, "Arkansas weighs history and money in decision to stay or leave games in Little Rock," 13 Apr. 2018 Another offered a viable list of talented women country singers for consideration. — Blair Donovan, Country Living, "Reba McEntire Responded to the ACMs Controversy With an Epic Public Jab," 8 Apr. 2019

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.

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Last Updated

17 May 2019

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Time Traveler for viable

The first known use of viable was circa 1832

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More Definitions for viable

viable

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of viable

: capable of being done or used

: capable of succeeding

technical : capable of living or of developing into a living thing

See the full definition for viable in the English Language Learners Dictionary

viable

adjective

vi·a·ble | \ ˈvī-ə-bəl

Kids Definition of viable

1 : capable of living or growing viable seeds

2 : possible to use or apply a viable plan

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