Viable

Definition

Capable of working successfully; feasible.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvaɪəbəl/
• Respelling: VYE-uh-buhl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvaɪəbəl/
• Respelling: VYE-uh-buhl

In both American and British English, "viable" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. It features a long "y" sound as in "my" in the first syllable, followed by a short "uh" sound and ending with "buhl." The pronunciation is essentially the same in both versions of English.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin "vivus", meaning "alive", combined with the suffix "-able", indicating capability. The term originally referred to something capable of living, growing, or developing.

Derivatives

• Viability
• Viablely
• Nonviable
• Inviable
• Reviable (rare usage)

Synonyms

• Feasible
• Practicable
• Workable

Antonyms

• Unfeasible
• Impracticable
• Unworkable

Usage

• "The proposed solution seems viable and should be implemented."
• "For a business to be viable, it needs to generate enough revenue to cover its expenses."

Related Terms

• Feasibility
• Sustainability
• Practicality
• Operability
• Functionality

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Capable of Success: Able to work as intended or able to succeed.
• Example: "The plan appears to be a viable option for solving the problem."

• Capable of Life or Development: Relating to living organisms, especially seeds, capable of growth and development.
• Example: "Only viable seeds will germinate and grow into healthy plants."