adj
Common
viable
VEYE-uh-buhl
Viable (adj) means Capable of working successfully; realistic and practical. Example: “After checking the costs, we decided the project was not viable.”
adj
1
Capable of working successfully; realistic and practical.
"After checking the costs, we decided the project was not viable."
"They came up with a viable alternative to the original plan."
"Solar power is now a viable option for many homeowners."
2
Able to live, survive, or develop independently, as of an organism.
"Doctors said the baby was born early but was viable and healthy."
"Some seeds stay viable in the soil for many years."
"The transplanted seedlings were checked to make sure they were still viable."
How to use viable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that can realistically work or survive.
Common pairings
viable option
commercially viable
economically viable
viable alternative
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Word forms
- Plural
- viables
- Comparative
- more viable
- Superlative
- most viable
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After checking the costs, we decided the project was not _____.
Etymology
From French viable, ultimately from Latin vita, "life," with the sense shaped by Latin viabilis, "passable" or "able to travel."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
inviable
Related words
Rhymes for viable
See all rhymes for viable →Frequently asked questions
What does “viable” mean?
The word “viable” means capable of working successfully; realistic and practical. In plain terms, something that can realistically work or survive.
How do you pronounce “viable”?
“Viable” is pronounced VEYE-uh-buhl (/ˈvaɪəbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “viable” in a sentence?
Here is “viable” used in a sentence: “They came up with a viable alternative to the original plan.”
What is the opposite of “viable”?
The opposite of “viable” — its antonyms — is inviable.
What part of speech is “viable”?
“Viable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “viable” come from?
The word “viable” comes from Latin. From French viable, ultimately from Latin vita, "life," with the sense shaped by Latin viabilis, "passable" or "able to travel.".
Is “viable” a common word?
“Viable” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “viable” have?
“Viable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: capable of working successfully; realistic and practical.
What is the difference between viable and feasible?
Both describe something that can be done, but "feasible" stresses that a plan is possible or achievable, while "viable" emphasises that it can succeed and keep working. A project can be feasible to begin yet not viable in the long run.
What is the difference between viable and sustainable?
"Viable" means capable of working successfully or surviving independently, while "sustainable" stresses being able to continue over a long period without collapse. Something viable works now; something sustainable keeps working over time.
When should you use viable instead of possible?
Use "viable" when you mean something is not just possible but realistically capable of succeeding or surviving. "Possible" only says something could happen, whereas "viable" adds that it is practical and likely to work.
What are common collocations with viable?
"Viable" frequently pairs with nouns like "option," "alternative," "solution," "business," and "candidate," as in "a viable alternative." In its biological sense it collocates with "cell," "seed," and "embryo" to describe something able to survive independently.
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