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

Overlooking financial transparency Grant reviewers are looking for clear and accurate financial information to assess your business’s viability. —Melissa Houston, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Balancing freedom and order In places like Mayport, Florida’s new amendment adds to current debates about the viability of traditional industries, like commercial fishing, which are already battered by government regulations and cheap imports. —Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Dec. 2024

The longstanding content co-financier and co-producer is suffering cash flow issues, multiple sources told Variety, forcing the shop into bad standing with the Writers Guild of America and inspiring whispers about its viability in show business. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024

While its viability under New York law is unclear, prosecutors suggested Merchan could take an innovative approach. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 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