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

There has been intense speculation about the long-term viability of the relationship, given the ambitions and personalities of the two men, with many people on social media predicting an eventual falling-out. —David Ingram, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024

The proposal, which would have allowed abortions up to viability, received 57% of the vote but fell short of the 60% threshold needed for approval. —Tracey Khan, Essence, 6 Nov. 2024

While North Dakota and Wyoming also allow abortions up until viability, the Guttmacher Institute considers those states to be restrictive due to stringent policies and an absence of providers. —Joseph Choi, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024

Advocates in Florida have raised over $100 million to restore access up to fetal viability — around 22 to 24 weeks — but the measure, known as Amendment 4, needs approval from 60 percent of voters, a high threshold to meet. —Lavanya Ramanathan, Vox, 29 Oct. 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