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
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
Wall Street JournalGetting an informed start now may be essential to future growth and economic viability of the U.S. wine industry.—Gordon W Murchie
Gordon W MurchieExamples of viability in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Both experts noted that while the current package supports growth, the widening gap between low unemployment and soaring deficits poses questions about the viability of America’s debt.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
In the aftermath of the meeting, LSU personnel met to discuss the viability of dismissing the coach, considering his massive buyout clause.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
By the 2030s, Helical Fusion intends to launch its fusion pilot plant, Helix KANATA, which will demonstrate 24/7 stable operation, net positive electricity output, and efficient component maintenance—three critical requirements for commercial fusion viability.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
The bailout package has been heavily questioned in the United States and in Argentina, which still owes $56 billion to the International Monetary Fund, as has the viability of Milei's economic reforms.
—NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for viability
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Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
In the aftermath of the meeting, LSU personnel met to discuss the viability of dismissing the coach, considering his massive buyout clause.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
By the 2030s, Helical Fusion intends to launch its fusion pilot plant, Helix KANATA, which will demonstrate 24/7 stable operation, net positive electricity output, and efficient component maintenance—three critical requirements for commercial fusion viability.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
The bailout package has been heavily questioned in the United States and in Argentina, which still owes $56 billion to the International Monetary Fund, as has the viability of Milei's economic reforms.
—NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for viability
Cite this Entry
“Viability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viability. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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