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

Other Word Forms

• viability noun
• viably adverb
• unviable 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

I think we will be here as long as broadcast is viable.

From Los Angeles Times

The plan was never agreed, and 17 years later settlements have spread so deep into the West Bank that Palestinians fear the map has become too fragmented for a viable state.

From BBC

Macron's strategy is an attempt to show that diplomacy offers a viable alternative.

From BBC

The business, which fell into administration earlier this month, was "no longer viable to continue" trading because of "the shortage of stock and significant costs" associated with operating the stores, its administrators said.

From BBC

Electric or hybrid planes could have environmental benefits, but again the technology is in its early stages – and battery-powered planes are not currently thought to be a viable option for long-haul flights.

From BBC

Related Words

• applicable 
• feasible 
• possible 
• usable 
• workable