viable

USAGE SUMMARY

'viable' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is capable of working successfully or that is practical and feasible. For example, "Our team has come up with a viable solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The emergence of Ukip as a viable political force is the result of a declining labour market.

The Guardian

We seem to have no politicians big enough to address the issue of a viable future for working people.

The Guardian

Fracking is also likely to take at least five years to produce commercial quantities of natural gas, and although a government-commissioned geological survey found that decades-worth of the fuel are likely to lie below the surface, it is not known how much can be extracted at economically viable rates.

The Guardian

But these land routes have become less viable in recent months, squeezed by border crackdowns.

The Guardian

The party, and the leader, come last: if you're waiting for the People's Assembly to become viable, it won't; not until you become a person, who assembles.

The Guardian

"In the second attempt, an immature female, which nested 5 metres [16ft] from the boundary of the moor, laid two eggs in Northumberland but the eggs were not viable despite the female incubating for the full term and the male provisioning her well.

The Guardian

Without changing a single thing about his platform, Cain will magically become viable.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I felt this need to know whether there was potentially another viable life among the embryos," she says.

The Guardian

The Conservatives' only viable option is to roughly cut by a third the 39 seats the party is currently projected to lose to Labour.

The Guardian

Pre-season friendlies have always been among the more whimsical dates in the football follower's diary, or at least they always used to be until the leading clubs began jetting off to all economically viable points of the globe in search of extra income and latent support.

The Guardian - Sport

Foley vehemently opposed privatisation and in his concession speech said the Labor party was now back as a viable political force in NSW after a thumping at the 2011 election.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing long-term plans or projects, use "viable" to assure stakeholders that the project has a strong chance of succeeding and is not just a theoretical idea.

Common error

Avoid using "viable" when you actually mean "valuable". "Viable" refers to feasibility and workability, while "valuable" refers to worth or importance. Ensure you are conveying the correct meaning by choosing the appropriate word.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "viable" functions primarily to describe something as capable of working successfully or being feasible. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "viable" is a versatile adjective used to describe something as capable of succeeding or being practically effective. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it sees frequent use across news, formal business contexts, and scientific discourse. Its versatility allows it to describe political strategies, technological advancements, and even living organisms. When writing, remember that "viable" focuses on feasibility and the potential for success, distinguishing it from similar words like "valuable" which focuses on worth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feasible

A more direct synonym emphasizing the possibility of being done easily or conveniently.

workable

Focuses on the practical aspect of a plan or system, suggesting it can be implemented effectively.

practicable

Highlights the suitability and efficiency of an action or method in real-world conditions.

achievable

Emphasizes the possibility of reaching a specific goal or outcome.

sustainable

Indicates the ability to be maintained or continued long-term without depletion.

realistic

Implies that something is based on a clear and practical understanding of what is possible.

tenable

Suggests that a position or argument is defensible and can be maintained against challenge.

reasonable

Focuses on the logical and justifiable nature of a proposal or action.

within reach

A more idiomatic expression suggesting something is attainable with effort.

potentially successful

Highlights the probability of achieving a positive outcome.

FAQs

How is "viable" used in a sentence?

The word "viable" is used to describe something that is capable of working successfully or is practical and feasible. For example, "The company developed a "viable business plan"" or "Is a "viable solution" possible in this situation?".

What are some synonyms for "viable"?

Some synonyms for "viable" include "feasible", "workable", "practicable", and "achievable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "viable" and "feasible"?

"Viable" emphasizes the capacity to develop and survive, while "feasible" stresses the possibility of being done easily or conveniently. A plan might be feasible but not "viable" if it's unsustainable in the long term.

Can "viable" be used to describe living organisms?

Yes, "viable" can describe living organisms, particularly in biology, to indicate that they are capable of living and developing. For example, "The seeds were tested to ensure they were "viable seeds"".