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

Until the new ban, abortions in Florida were allowed up to 15 weeks, and prior to 2022, up until fetal viability. —Skyler Swisher, Orlando Sentinel, 1 July 2024

The vote allows commission staff to explore the viability of a winter fishery that could begin as soon as this winter, if approved. —Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2024

Hawaii Hawaii allows abortions up until fetal viability, considered between 24 and 26 weeks' gestation. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 22 June 2024

Fetal viability is typically at about 23 weeks or 24 weeks of gestation. —Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 21 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

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