# viable

/ˈvaɪəbəɫ/ (US) · /vˈaɪəbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/viable
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. possible and successful

adjective · CEFR B2

describes a plan, idea, or method that can actually work in real life.

For teachers: capable of working successfully; feasible or practicable in a given context.

- The company decided the project was not financially viable because it would cost too much.
- After reviewing the market data, the board concluded that the startup's business model was no longer viable in the current economic climate.

### 2. able to survive

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

able to live, grow, and develop on its own.

For teachers: capable of living and developing independently; often used regarding seeds, eggs, or foetuses.

- The biologist checked if the seeds were still viable after being stored for ten years.
- The laboratory confirmed that the tissue samples remained viable despite the failure of the primary refrigeration system during the storm.

## Examples

- The committee is looking for a viable solution to the budget problem.
- After reviewing the financial data, the bank decided that the small business was no longer a viable investment.
- The success of the conservation project depends on maintaining a viable population of the species within its natural habitat to prevent genetic drift.

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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.