Viability

/vaɪəˈbɪlɪti/ noun

Definition

The quality of being able to work, survive, or succeed; the ability of something to be practical or sustainable.

Etymology

From French 'viable' derived from Latin 'vitabilis' meaning able to live, from 'vita' (life). The suffix '-ity' turns the adjective into an abstract noun describing the quality itself.

Kelly Says

In medicine, 'fetal viability' marks the point where a baby could theoretically survive outside the womb—but this age has moved earlier over decades due to advances in neonatal care, showing how medical progress literally changes what's viable.

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