Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
viable meaning
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "viable meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the practicality or applicability of a particular interpretation or definition of a term or concept. Example: "In this context, we need to establish a viable meaning for the term 'sustainability' to ensure everyone is on the same page."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
Utah bans abortion once the fetus is viable, meaning the law only covers about two weeks of pregnancy before abortion is no longer an option.
News & Media
In the United States, the push to recognise foetal personhood is tied up with the question of whether a foetus is "viable", meaning whether it could survive independently, which underpins the constitutional right to an abortion.
News & Media
If Hillary Clinton truly is the only viable candidate from the Democratic side ("viable" meaning "polling above ten percent," say), then the only real option is going to become trying to influence Hillary to be the most progressive candidate possible.
News & Media
There are open questions for ABC regarding the choice of summary statistics [ 18– 21], whether model selection via ABC is viable (meaning that the user can know whether the estimation quality of the full posterior distribution is adequate to successfully compare candidate models [ 21]), and regarding error bounds for the estimated posterior distribution.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
When females breed with the sterile males rather than wild fertile ones, there will be no viable offspring, meaning there are fewer mosquitoes around to transmit the disease.
News & Media
"The truth is, one of the things that was said in the prequel, which I think has been a massive problem with how the Western world has dealt with Africa, no one can justify going there, because they have no viable reason – meaning oil or money.
Wiki
In our system, NF-κB or mTOR-inhibitor or knocking down HSP70 could reduce viable cells, meaning that these three molecules are all important to survival.
Science
He stressed the Palestinians needed an independent state that is "viable and contiguous", meaning the territory should not be broken up by Israeli settlements and sending a signal that the US expects Israel to withdrawal from the West Bank as part of a deal.
News & Media
Bacterial culture without enrichment may indicate the presence of high concentrations of viable bacterial cells, meaning that the bacteria detected are likely to be causing illness, rather than the norovirus infection.
Science
Conversely both AFB stains and PCR tests were usually positive, likely from detection of non-viable M. ulcerans, meaning that when positive they are not useful in distinguishing between these two treatment outcomes.
Science
It concludes that while concept-based explanations of meaning are viable for a certain class of referents, their role in a cognitively natural account of the lexicon is subject to significant but little appreciated limitations.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "viable meaning", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the meaning 'viable' – whether it's practicality, feasibility, or some other relevant criterion.
Common error
Avoid assuming a meaning is "viable" without providing sufficient justification or evidence to support its practicality or applicability in the given situation.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "viable meaning" functions as a qualifier specifying that a particular definition, interpretation or understanding is practical and workable. It is used to emphasize the realistic applicability of a meaning within a certain context, as validated by Ludwig.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
30%
Wiki
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Academia
10%
Encyclopedias
10%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "viable meaning" is a phrase used to describe an interpretation or definition that is not only possible but also practical and applicable. While grammatically correct and validated by Ludwig, its usage is relatively rare. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context clearly indicates why the meaning is considered 'viable'. Alternatives such as "workable definition", "feasible interpretation", and "practical significance" can be used to convey similar concepts with slightly different nuances.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
workable definition
Focuses on the practicality and applicability of a definition.
feasible interpretation
Emphasizes the possibility and reasonableness of an interpretation.
practical significance
Highlights the real-world importance and relevance of the meaning.
realistic understanding
Suggests a grounded and achievable comprehension.
reasonable explanation
Indicates a logical and justifiable clarification.
applicable definition
Stresses the relevance and usability of a definition.
valid interpretation
Highlights the correctness and legitimacy of an interpretation.
tenable meaning
Emphasizes that a meaning is defensible and can be maintained.
functional definition
Focuses on a definition's usefulness in a specific context.
sustainable interpretation
Implies the interpretation is long-lasting and dependable.
FAQs
How can I use "viable meaning" in a sentence?
You can use "viable meaning" to discuss the practicality or applicability of an interpretation. For example, "In this context, we need to establish a "viable meaning" for the term 'sustainability' to ensure everyone is on the same page."
What can I say instead of "viable meaning"?
You can use alternatives like "workable definition", "feasible interpretation", or "practical significance" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "viable meaning" or "valid meaning"?
Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Viable meaning" emphasizes practicality and workability, while "valid meaning" emphasizes correctness and legitimacy.
What's the difference between "viable meaning" and "possible meaning"?
"Possible meaning" refers to any potential interpretation, while "viable meaning" suggests that the interpretation is not only possible but also practical and applicable in a given context. Think of "viable meaning" as a subset of "possible meaning" – not all possible meanings are viable.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested