viable

Pronunciation: VY-uh-bul

adjective

Difficulty: common

Definition of viable

viable (adjective): Capable of functioning successfully, achieving a desired result, or sustaining itself; feasible and practical under the given circumstances.

Example: The team presented a viable solution to the budgetary constraints that impressed the board of directors.

Best for: common-difficulty vocabulary; learners who already know "feasible" or "workable"; GRE Verbal (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence); SAT Reading & Writing (Words in Context).

Origin of viable

Language of origin: French and Latin

Root word: vita

Original meaning: life

How it evolved: Initially used to describe the ability of living organisms to survive, the term broadened to refer to the feasibility or practicality of plans, ideas, or systems.

The word 'viable' originates from the French word 'viable,' which stems from the Latin root 'vita,' meaning 'life,' and was initially used in the context of living things being capable of survival.

First known use: 1828

How to Remember viable

Think of 'via' (Latin for 'way' or 'path') and imagine finding a 'way' to make something work successfully—making it viable.

Synonyms for viable

Antonyms of viable

  • impractical
  • unfeasible
  • impossible
  • untenable
  • inoperable

viable in a Sentence

  1. The team presented a viable solution to the budgetary constraints that impressed the board of directors.
  2. After conducting a detailed market analysis, the investors concluded that launching the product in the current climate was not economically viable.
  3. The scientist's findings suggested that the new method was viable for large-scale implementation in renewable energy production.

viable in Literature & Culture

In literature and political speeches, 'viable' is often used to describe strategies or policies that are both practical and sustainable, emphasizing their potential for success.

Usage Notes

While 'viable' often refers to processes, plans, or ideas, it can also describe living organisms capable of survival. Avoid confusing it with 'liable,' which refers to legal responsibility.

Why viable Matters for GRE & SAT

Viable is a frequently tested word on the GRE because it embodies the concepts of feasibility and practicality, which are critical for evaluating arguments and solutions in the Analytical Writing and Verbal Reasoning sections.

Word Family

viability (noun)
The quality of being capable of working successfully or surviving.
nonviable (adjective)
Not capable of working successfully or surviving.
viably (adverb)
In a manner that is feasible or practical.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'viable' was originally used in the 19th century to describe newborns or premature babies capable of surviving outside the womb.
  • In biology, 'viable' cells are those that are alive and capable of growing or reproducing, a concept used in lab experiments and medical research.
  • The term gained popularity in the business and tech worlds to describe startups or innovations that have the potential to succeed.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with V

  • vacillate — go back and forth with one's view
  • vacillate — To alternate between different opinions or actions
  • vacillate — go back and forth with one's view
  • vacuous — lacking intelligence or thought
  • vacuous — lacking intelligence or thought
  • valid — Having a sound basis in logic or fact; reasonable
  • valid — Having a sound basis in logic or fact; reasonable
  • valid — Having a sound basis; legally acceptable
  • valid — Having a sound basis in logic or fact; reasonable
  • valid — Having a sound basis in logic or fact; reasonable