viable

[ vahy-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. capable of living.
2. Physiology.
   1. physically fitted to live.
   2. (of a fetus) having reached such a stage of development as to be capable of living, under normal conditions, outside the uterus.
3. Botany. able to live and grow.
4. vivid; real; stimulating, as to the intellect, imagination, or senses:

   a period of history that few teachers can make viable for students.

5. practicable; workable:

   a viable alternative.

   Synonyms: adaptable, usable, feasible, practical

6. having the ability to grow, expand, develop, etc.:

   a new and viable country.

viable

/ ˈvaɪəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of becoming actual, useful, etc; practicable

   a viable proposition

2. (of seeds, eggs, etc) capable of normal growth and development
3. (of a fetus) having reached a stage of development at which further development can occur independently of the mother

Derived Forms

• ˌviaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• via·bili·ty noun
• via·bly adverb
• un·via·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of viable¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from French, from vi(e) “life” (from Latin vīta; vital ) + -able -able

Word History and Origins

Origin of viable¹

C19: from French, from vie life, from Latin vīta

Example Sentences

Consumers might also have to readjust in terms of accepting that artificially low prices won't be viable for some products.

From Salon

However, for this technology to be commercially viable, scientists need to tackle the challenge of improving both the stability and efficiency, especially around the lead-tin perovskite cell used in this design.

From Science Daily

The newly appointed Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, has told us: “We will keep chipping away and undermining their business to the point where that is no longer viable and profitable.”

From BBC

He said the city’s funding withdrawal led him to believe the project was not financially viable, a claim the developers disputed.

From Los Angeles Times

"We will keep chipping away and undermining their business to the point where that is no longer viable and no longer profitable," he told the BBC.

From BBC

Related Words

• applicable
• feasible
• possible
• usable
• workable