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

Private Sector Responsibility: A Strategic Imperative As policymakers debate sweeping changes, the private sector must recognize the direct impact on human capital management and long-term business viability. —Solange Charas, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

Yes, but: The pandemic dealt a heavy blow to the creative economy, leaving many questioning the viability of arts careers. —Chrissy Suttles, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025

The expiration date can offer insight into the viability of seeds, too. —Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2025

The current tests with Nvidia and Broadcom are focused on the viability of Intel’s 18A manufacturing process and are not using finished chip designs, Reuters reported, adding that the tests could take months. —Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for viability

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility

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