viable

/ˈvaɪəbəl/

/ˈvaɪəbəl/

Other forms: viably

When something is viable, it has the ability to grow or function properly. A viable seed can develop into a plant, while a viable company has the resources to succeed.

The adjective viable refers to something able to function properly and even grow. It is made up of the Latin root vita, which means "life," and the ending -able, which means "to be possible." In terms of science or botany, when a plant is viable it can live and flourish in an environment such as a cactus in the desert. Consider also the Wright brothers, who were the first to develop a viable airplane after many tries and spectacular failures.

Definitions of viable

1. adjective

   capable of life or normal growth and development
   “viable seeds”

   synonyms:

   alive, live

   possessing life
2. adjective

   capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are
   synonyms: executable, feasible, practicable, workable

   possible

   capable of happening or existing