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

Related Words

• applicable
• feasible
• possible
• usable
• workable