ecologically viable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ecologically viable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is sustainable and capable of existing or functioning within an ecological context without causing harm to the environment. Example: "The new farming techniques are designed to be ecologically viable, ensuring that we can produce food without depleting natural resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Branson is agnostic about which fuels to support, as long as they are commercially and ecologically viable.

The New Yorker

"Maathai stands at the front of the fight to promote ecologically viable social, economic and cultural development in Kenya and in Africa," Professor Mjoes said.

The New York Times

Designed to be visually appealing as well as ecologically viable, the four-acre site has been planted with 12 species of native grasses and wildflowers, grouped into three different mixtures.

The New York Times

Her award, for "promoting ecologically viable social, economic and cultural development in Kenya and in Africa", was welcomed as recognition of African women's efforts to improve their lives and the importance of grassroots environmental initiatives.

The Guardian

There is no deer population estimate countywide, but at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, the county's largest park at 4,315 acres, wildlife analysts last April recorded a density of 63.7 deer per square mile, though "ecologically viable levels" there would be 5 to 10 deer per square mile.

The New York Times

Biologically synthesized nanoscale selenium opens a wide array of options to produce ecologically viable pharmacological additives.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Some advanced treatment techniques like adsorption and membrane filtration are used for the treatment of wastewater but these techniques are relied on the production of secondary pollutants and ecologically not viable methods.

Applied Water Science

Both interventions are ecologically feasible.

Ecohydrology & Hydrobiology

The results provide insights as to which technologies, strategies and measures can help to achieve the increased use of renewable energy sources and also whether the resulting consequences are socially balanced, economically viable and ecologically beneficial.

Energy Policy

Together these results highlight that orchard fallows may be an ecologically and economically viable pathway for intensification.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

Noting that ranching needed to be ecologically sustainable, economically viable, and socio-politically acceptable, Stockil describes how 27 ranchers studied the situation.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing long-term strategies or developments, use "ecologically viable" to emphasize the sustainability aspect. For instance, "The government aims to implement ecologically viable policies for the next decade".

Common error

Avoid using "ecologically viable" in contexts where simpler terms like "eco-friendly" or "environmentally safe" suffice. Using "ecologically viable" to describe a reusable grocery bag, for example, might sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ecologically viable" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English and describes something that is sustainable and capable of functioning within an ecological context without environmental harm. It modifies nouns to indicate an environmentally responsible characteristic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ecologically viable" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for describing something that is environmentally sustainable and capable of functioning within an ecological context without causing harm. While not extremely common, according to Ludwig, its use is prevalent in scientific and news media, making it suitable for neutral to formal registers. When writing, consider the context to avoid overusing the phrase in simplistic situations and remember to emphasize long-term sustainability. Alternatives such as "environmentally sound" or "ecologically sustainable" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Environmentally sound

Focuses on the positive impact on the environment.

Sustainable for ecosystems

Highlights the sustainability aspect within ecosystems.

Ecologically sustainable

Emphasizes sustainability from an ecological perspective.

Environmentally sustainable

Focuses on environmental sustainability.

Eco-friendly

A more informal term indicating environmental friendliness.

Biologically sound

Emphasizes the biological aspect of environmental health.

Nature-friendly

A simple way of expressing environmental harmlessness.

Beneficial for the environment

Highlights the positive influence on the environment.

Harmless to the ecosystem

Focuses on the absence of harm to the ecosystem.

Ecologically responsible

Emphasizes the responsibility towards ecological wellbeing.

FAQs

What does "ecologically viable" mean?

The phrase "ecologically viable" refers to something that is capable of surviving or functioning successfully within an ecosystem without causing significant harm or depletion of natural resources. It implies sustainability and environmental responsibility.

How can I use "ecologically viable" in a sentence?

You can use "ecologically viable" to describe practices, technologies, or systems that are sustainable and environmentally sound. For example: "The new farming techniques are designed to be ecologically viable" or "The company is committed to developing ecologically viable solutions for waste management".

What are some alternatives to "ecologically viable"?

Alternatives to "ecologically viable" include "environmentally sound", "ecologically sustainable", "environmentally sustainable", or "eco-friendly". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is there a difference between "ecologically viable" and "environmentally friendly"?

While both terms relate to environmental impact, "ecologically viable" often implies a more rigorous and scientifically informed assessment of sustainability and long-term impact on ecosystems. "Environmentally friendly" is a broader term that can sometimes be used more loosely. Therefore, the decision between the two depends on the level of technicality required.