viable
/ˈvaɪ.ə.bəl/Capable of working successfully or surviving in real conditions. If a plan, idea, or business is viable, it can actually function and continue over time — not just in theory.
- The startup needs a viable business model to attract investors.
- Is solar energy a viable option for rural communities?
- The committee rejected the plan because it was not financially viable.
Adinary Nuance
Viable is often confused with feasible, workable, and possible, but each word has a different weight. Possible is the broadest — it just means something can happen. Feasible asks whether something can be done given current resources and constraints. Viable goes further: it implies that something can not only be done but can sustain itself and succeed over time. In business writing, "viable" signals long-term survivability — a "viable plan" is one that can work and keep working, not just get started. Workable is more casual and informal; use "viable" when you want to sound analytical or professional.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- khả thi
- Spanish
- viable
- Chinese
- 可行
- Japanese
- 実現可能
- Korean
- 가능한
Etymology
From French "viable," meaning "capable of living," derived from "vie" (life) and ultimately from Latin "vita." It entered English in the 19th century, first in biology and medicine, then spread into business and general usage.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'viable' and 'feasible'?
- 'Feasible' means something can be done with the available resources — it focuses on possibility. 'Viable' means something can actually work and keep working over time — it focuses on long-term success. A plan can be feasible (doable) but not viable (not sustainable).
- Is 'viable' a formal word?
- Yes, 'viable' is moderately formal and works well in business reports, emails, and presentations. In casual speech, people more often say 'workable' or 'realistic,' but 'viable' is common and natural in professional contexts.
- Can 'viable' be used in everyday conversation?
- It can, but it sounds slightly formal outside business or technical discussions. In casual talk, 'workable' or 'realistic' sounds more natural. Save 'viable' for professional or analytical situations.
- Is 'not viable' a common phrase in business English?
- Yes, very common. Saying something is 'not viable' is a polite, professional way to reject an idea or plan. It implies the idea cannot succeed in practice, without being blunt or personal.