Word
viability
Phoneticsvi·a·bil·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/vaɪəˈbɪɫəti/
UK/vˌaɪəbˈɪlɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the ability of something to work successfully or stay alive. You use this to talk about whether a plan, a business, or a living thing can actually survive in the long run.
n. the capacity for survival, continued existence, or successful operation. Often refers to the practical feasibility of a project or the biological ability of an organism to develop normally.
Examples
“The bank is questioning the financial viability of the new restaurant.”
“Engineers are currently testing the economic viability of using solar panels to power the entire factory complex.”
“The committee expressed serious doubts regarding the long-term viability of the proposal, citing a lack of consistent funding and insufficient public interest as primary obstacles to its success.”
Examples
simple
“The bank is questioning the financial viability of the new restaurant.”
contextual
“Engineers are currently testing the economic viability of using solar panels to power the entire factory complex.”
complex
“The committee expressed serious doubts regarding the long-term viability of the proposal, citing a lack of consistent funding and insufficient public interest as primary obstacles to its success.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “viability” in context.
Adjective
01. economic viability
“The government is questioning the economic viability of the proposed high-speed rail project.”
adj + noun
Usage
Frequently paired with 'economic', 'commercial', or 'financial' to describe business potential.
Real-World Examples
“I’m hoping that they will.”
Antjuan Seawright , a Democratic strategist in South Carolina, suggests that Ocasio-Cortez’s national viability depends on her remaining a disciplined team player who addresses universal, kitchen-table concerns.” “With part 2 of this series, we want to see if we can put some rough numbers on the true viability of orbital data centers in general and SpaceX’s concept in particular.” Etymology
From viable + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/viability