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
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Even before the war began, there were questions over the long-term viability of the league. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 In the meantime, his rival, Republican Steve Hilton is barnstorming the state with a steady stream of events and media appearances, attempting to gin up attention for a campaign that early polls show faces a difficult climb to viability. Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 In Illinois, the implications threaten not only individual households but also the viability of the Chicago area’s independent authorized SNAP retailers. Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 Danny Welbeck performed too well in his final season at Brighton & Hove Albion for the viability of the club’s recruitment model. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 4 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

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Cite this Entry

“Viability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viability. Accessed 9 Aug. 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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