# viability

/vaɪəˈbɪɫəti/ (US) · /vˌaɪəbˈɪlɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/viability
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Frequently paired with 'economic', 'commercial', or 'financial' to describe business potential.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.