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

Business Sustainability And The Rule Of 40 The purpose of taking a fresh look at existing technology vendors is to measure the short-term financial stability and long-term viability of fintech partners. —Chris Perry, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

Despite occasional good salmon returns, long-term declines have pushed the orcas to the edge of viability, Weiss noted. —Christine Clarridge, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025

Economists don’t necessarily agree, but the longevity of Coors Field is at least an example of how development can ensure the long-term viability of a professional sports venue. —Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2025

David Ornstein Nico Williams has a host of suitors; Arsenal and Chelsea are high among them, while Liverpool looked into the viability of a deal last summer. —James McNicholas, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

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