Viable

Welcome to the Voice of America’s News Words.

Listen to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

He is taking about the breakdown of the peace talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

Viable.

Status quo between the Israelis and the Palestinians is not sustainable, and the alternatives to peace are neither acceptable nor viable.

Viable means something can succeed or continue.

Kerry is saying that only peace is acceptable and will succeed there.

Viable is also used when talking about a living thing, especially a fetus.

Viable means it can develop and live.

So the next time you hear the word viable, you will know what this News Word means.