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

During the program, fellows will workshop their pilot, pitches for their series, and participate in one-on-one story meetings, panels, and writers’ rooms focused on advancing writing craft as well as viability in the current landscape. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 May 2026

This is Part 2 in a series of columns about the viability of the American university system. —Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 12 May 2026

His campaign spending exceeding $150 million has not translated into strong polling numbers or widespread name recognition, undermining voter confidence in his candidacy’s viability. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026

Beyond capital, a company’s commercial viability depends on its ability to integrate into existing supply chains without demanding an overnight industry overhaul. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for viability

• ability
• agility
• civility
• debility
• docility
• ductility
• facility
• fertility
• fragility
• futility
• gentility
• hostility

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