viability

noun

Synonyms of viabilitynext
: 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.
Pochettino had real doubts about the viability of deploying Fernandez in a double midfield pivot with Moises Caicedo. Liam Twomey, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Some at the meeting said that how council members voted could influence their political viability in the 2027 elections. Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026 But Whatley needs to show signs of viability and momentum to prevent national money and support that could provide a late boost to him and other North Carolina Republicans from drying up, Chris Cooper said. Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026 The cancellation of Not Suitable for Work raises questions about the viability of series that bet on largely unknown young actors and do not follow the conventional YA romantic tropes. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Viability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viability. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Medical Definition

viability

noun
plural viabilities
: the quality or state of being viable : the ability to live, grow, and develop

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