Definition

Not able to live, grow, or develop properly; unable to survive.

Example

The scientist concluded that the cells were inviable and could not be used for the experiment.

Conversation

I heard that some plants can be inviable in certain climates.

Really? That sounds interesting, but also kind of sad.

Yeah, it's tough when something can't survive because of where it is.

Exactly, nature can be so harsh sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inviable is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "viable" (from Latin "vita" meaning life). The word describes something that is not capable of living or surviving.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being combined with 'life' ('vita') to remember that 'inviable' means something that cannot live or survive.

Visually Confused Words