Definitions

nonviable

[non-vahy-uh-buhl] / nɒnˈvaɪ ə bəl /

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impractical adj.
impractical/impracticable adj.
unnegotiable adj.
unusable adj.
unworkable adj.

ADJECTIVE

impractical

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absurd illogical impossible improbable quixotic speculative unattainable unreal unusable unwise unworkable useless

WEAK

abstract chimerical idealistic impracticable inapplicable inefficacious infeasible inoperable ivory-tower no-go nonfunctional otherworldly romantic starry-eyed theoretical unbusinesslike unfeasible unserviceable visionary wild won't fly

Antonyms

STRONGEST

logical possible rational reasonable sensible tenable

WEAK

practical

ADJECTIVE

impractical/impracticable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

impossible improbable infeasible unfeasible unworkable

WEAK

abstract absurd chimerical idealistic illogical inapplicable inefficacious inoperable irrealizable ivory tower no-go nonfunctional not a prayer otherworldly out of the question quixotic romantic speculative starry-eyed theoretical unattainable unbusinesslike unreal unserviceable unusable unwise useless visionary wild won't fly

Antonyms

WEAK

practicable practical probable realistic reasonable tenable viable

ADJECTIVE

unnegotiable

Synonyms

WEAK

abstract absurd chimerical idealistic illogical impossible impractical improbable inapplicable inefficacious infeasible inoperable irrealizable ivory-tower no-go nonfunctional not a prayer otherworldly out of the question quixotic romantic speculative starry-eyed theoretical unattainable unbusinesslike unfeasible unreal unserviceable unusable unwise unworkable useless visionary wild won't fly

ADJECTIVE

unusable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

impractical inoperable unattainable unworkable useless

WEAK

abstract absurd chimerical idealistic illogical impossible improbable inapplicable inefficacious infeasible irrealizable ivory-tower no-go nonfunctional not a prayer otherworldly out of the question quixotic romantic speculative starry-eyed theoretical unbusinesslike unfeasible unnegotiable unreal unwise visionary wild won't fly

ADJECTIVE

unworkable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absurd illogical impossible impractical unattainable unusable useless

WEAK

abstract chimerical idealistic improbable inapplicable inefficacious infeasible inoperable irrealizable ivory-tower no-go nonfunctional not a prayer otherworldly out of the question quixotic romantic speculative starry-eyed theoretical unbusinesslike unfeasible unnegotiable unreal unserviceable visionary wild won't fly

Antonyms

STRONGEST

logical rational reasonable sensible

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for nonviable?

The sense of nonviable that’s applied to living things like embryos or plants essentially means “incapable of living” or “incapable of developing.” Nonviable can also be used more generally to describe something that isn’t going to work or that isn’t practical. Similar words include impractical, unworkable, infeasible, impracticable, and even impossible. All of these suggest that something, such as a plan, won’t be able to be carried out or otherwise realized for practical reasons.

Is it nonviable or unviable?

Nonviable and unviable are both words. Nonviable is more commonly used and can be used generally and in the context of living things. The very similar word unviable is often applied to things thought to be incapable of succeeding, especially business and financial ventures.

How do you use nonviable in a sentence?

Nonviable is perhaps most commonly used in scientific contexts, but it can also be used generally. Here are some examples of nonviable in a sentence:

He experimented to determine which seeds were viable and which were nonviable.
The venture was found to be commercially nonviable after just a few months.
Over time, it becomes nonviable to keep retrofitting old tech.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

nonviable

“In a future of more extreme weather, that just becomes economically nonviable pretty quickly.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 24, 2026

Main said ProPublica’s analysis suggested to him that “physicians are sitting on nonviable pregnancies longer and longer before they’re doing a D&C — until patients are really bleeding.”

From Salon ● Jul. 2, 2025

"However, the issue for decades has been that the catalysts required to carry out this reaction deactivate quickly under reaction conditions, making this reaction nonviable on an industrial scale."

From Science Daily ● Nov. 26, 2024

The lawsuit alleges that the embryos were already nonviable when Ovation implanted them on Jan. 25.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2024

“Conjoined twins share circulation, he said, “so unless you somehow emergently divide their connection, it’s absolutely a fatal, nonviable process.”

From New York Times ● Apr. 22, 2024

nonviable

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

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