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
Managing the genetic health of such a small population is essential for the species’ long-term viability, and the hair-collection method offers a noninvasive way to gather vital data without disturbing the wombats in their burrows.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
The ethanol industry has touted producing ultra-low carbon ethanol as critical to the industry’s long-term viability.
—Donnelle Eller, Des Moines Register, 13 Feb. 2026
The next step is scaling the process and improving its commercial viability.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
The two aspects go hand in hand, and the same principles apply in ensuring the viability of any housing development.
—Waleed Albakry, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for viability
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Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
The ethanol industry has touted producing ultra-low carbon ethanol as critical to the industry’s long-term viability.
—Donnelle Eller, Des Moines Register, 13 Feb. 2026
The next step is scaling the process and improving its commercial viability.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
The two aspects go hand in hand, and the same principles apply in ensuring the viability of any housing development.
—Waleed Albakry, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for viability
Cite this Entry
“Viability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viability. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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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