Liable

/ˈlaɪ.bəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Legally responsible; likely to be held accountable for something.

The company is liable for any damages caused by its products.

Exposed to something, usually unpleasant; likely to experience or suffer from.

He is liable to forget his keys if he doesn't have a designated place for them.

Bound or obligated, especially by law or contract.

Parents are liable for their children's actions until they reach adulthood.

From Middle English 'liablen', from Old French 'lier' (to bind), from Latin 'ligare'.

liable to

likely to do something or to be affected by something.

jointly liable

both parties are responsible for a debt or obligation.

personally liable

an individual is financially responsible in their own right.

responsibility

the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something.

obligation

an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound.

likely to mess up

If you don't study, you're liable to fail the exam.

in trouble

If caught speeding again, he's really liable to get a fine.