not viable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not viable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used to describe a situation in which something is not feasible or not able to be pursued. For example, "After much consideration, we decided that the investment was not viable as the return on investment was too low."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's not viable".

The New Yorker

Till it's not viable?

The New Yorker

It's simply not viable.

The Guardian

"It's not viable," she says.

The Guardian

The company was not viable".

The Guardian - Business

Crowdsourced alternatives on Yahoo Answers not viable.

The New Yorker

Just scaling up is not viable.

The Economist

It's not viable in this market".

The New York Times

A deal that is simply not viable".

The Guardian - Business

George Provopoulos said: ATEbank was not viable.

The Guardian - Business

But his welfare reform is not viable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the future prospects of a project, clearly define the criteria that determine whether something is "not viable". This will help avoid ambiguity and provide a concrete basis for your assessment.

Common error

Avoid stating that a project or strategy is "not viable" without explaining why. Always provide specific reasons and evidence to support your claim, such as financial constraints, lack of resources, or technical limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not viable" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, describing it as impractical, unachievable, or unsustainable. Ludwig showcases its use in diverse contexts, affirming its adjectival role. It typically appears after a linking verb such as "is", "was", or "seems".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not viable" is a commonly used adjective phrase that describes something as impractical, unachievable, or unsustainable. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. The phrase is primarily used to express a negative assessment and often suggests the need for an alternative approach. While it maintains a neutral to formal register, "not viable" offers a succinct and direct way to convey the infeasibility of a plan or project. To enhance clarity, it is essential to provide specific reasons and evidence when stating that something is "not viable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not feasible

This alternative focuses on the practicality and possibility of being carried out.

not sustainable

This alternative highlights the inability to maintain or continue something over time.

not practical

This emphasizes the lack of suitability for real-world application.

unworkable

This alternative suggests that something cannot be successfully implemented or operated.

impossible

This expresses a stronger degree of certainty that something cannot happen or be done.

unachievable

This alternative means that something cannot be accomplished or attained.

not realistic

This suggests the plan or idea is detached from the constraints of reality.

not attainable

This signifies that a goal or objective is beyond reach.

inapplicable

This focuses on the irrelevance or unsuitability of something in a particular situation.

not profitable

This highlights the lack of financial gain or economic sustainability.

FAQs

How can I use "not viable" in a sentence?

You can use "not viable" to describe a plan, project, or idea that is not feasible or sustainable. For example, "The proposed business model is "not viable" due to high operating costs."

What are some alternatives to saying "not viable"?

Alternatives to "not viable" include "not feasible", "not sustainable", or "unworkable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not viable" or "unviable"?

"Not viable" is generally preferred over "unviable" as it is more commonly used and widely understood. "Unviable" is a less frequent, though grammatically correct, alternative.

What does it mean when something is described as "not viable"?

When something is described as "not viable", it means it is not practical, feasible, or sustainable in the long term. It suggests that the plan or idea is unlikely to succeed or be maintained.