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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Meanwhile, smaller reactors are still working to demonstrate their viability. Donald Keough, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2026 Even if there is some doubt about the viability of the Golden Dome, Russian and Chinese officials are obliged to take it seriously. Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026 The city last year commissioned a study to test the ice, evaluating the economic viability of placing a 20,000-seat arena at North Point Mall. Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Scientists use this technique, called candling to assess the contents of shark eggs for health, viability and genetic diversity. Chicago Tribune, 31 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 4 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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