viability

noun

vi·​a·​bil·​i·​ty ˌvī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce viability (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Building systems with an eye on tomorrow’s needs ensures long-term viability. Chris Sharp, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 The company has identified risks related to its business operations, including its dependence on external financing, the unproven commercial viability of its technology, and potential competition in the market. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Mar. 2025 Each site, however, has drawbacks, such as size constraints, redevelopment costs, or long-term viability. Devan Patel, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025 In the first approximate two months of President Donald Trump's administration, concerns relating to green card holders, the legal viability of international students, and those with H-1B visas have escalated because of rhetoric combined with stricter enforcement. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for viability

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of viability was in 1837

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Cite this Entry

“Viability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viability. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

viability

noun
vi·​a·​bil·​i·​ty ˌvī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce viability (audio)
plural viabilities
: the quality or state of being viable : the ability to live, grow, and develop

More from Merriam-Webster on viability

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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