WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
vi•a•ble /ˈvaɪəbəl/USA pronunciation
adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- capable of living.
- Physiology(of a fetus) sufficiently developed to be capable of living, under normal conditions, outside the uterus.
- Botany, having the ability to grow or develop:a viable seedling.
- that can be used or made useful; practical;
workable:a viable alternative plan. - capable of winning elections:a viable political party.
vi•a•ble
(vī′ə bəl),USA pronunciation adj.
vi′a•bil′i•ty, n.
vi′a•bly, adv.
- capable of living.
- Physiology
- physically fitted to live.
- (of a fetus) having reached such a stage of development as to be capable of living, under normal conditions, outside the uterus.
- Botanyable to live and grow.
- vivid;
real;
stimulating, as to the intellect, imagination, or senses:a period of history that few teachers can make viable for students. - practicable;
workable:a viable alternative. - having the ability to grow, expand, develop, etc.:a new and viable country.
- Latin vīta) + -able -able
- French, equivalent. to vie life (
- 1820–30
vi′a•bly, adv.
- 5. practical, feasible, usable, adaptable.
'viability' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):