liability
Liability is the state of being legally responsible for something, like a debt or a mistake. It can also describe a person or thing that causes problems or puts someone at a disadvantage.
Examples
3 of 5The store owner has a legal liability to keep the floor dry and safe.
The owner is responsible by law for making sure the floor is not wet.
The company admitted full liability for the technical error in the contract.
The company said they are officially responsible for the mistake in the document.
If you keep losing your keys, you are becoming a bit of a liability!
If you keep losing keys, you are starting to be a person who causes trouble.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Lie-Ability'. If you lie about something, you have the 'ability' to get into trouble and become responsible for the consequences.
Quick Quiz
The company refused to accept _______ for the damaged goods.
Correct!
The correct answer is: liability
Examples
The store owner has a legal liability to keep the floor dry and safe.
everydayThe owner is responsible by law for making sure the floor is not wet.
The company admitted full liability for the technical error in the contract.
formalThe company said they are officially responsible for the mistake in the document.
If you keep losing your keys, you are becoming a bit of a liability!
informalIf you keep losing keys, you are starting to be a person who causes trouble.
Scholars argue that strict liability laws encourage better safety standards.
academicExperts say that laws making people responsible for all accidents lead to better safety.
We need to calculate our total liabilities before we apply for the bank loan.
businessWe must count all the money we owe before asking the bank for more money.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
public liability insurance
insurance that pays if a member of the public is hurt at your business
joint and several liability
when a group of people are all responsible for a debt together
a major liability
a person or thing that is a very big problem
Often Confused With
Reliability means you can be trusted; liability means you are a risk or you owe something.
Libel is a written lie about someone; liability is legal responsibility.
Usage Notes
In a business context, 'liabilities' (plural) usually refers to money a company owes. In a social context, calling someone 'a liability' means they are clumsy or cause trouble for the group.
Common Mistakes
Don't confuse the noun 'liability' with the adjective 'liable'. You have a liability, but you are liable for something.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Lie-Ability'. If you lie about something, you have the 'ability' to get into trouble and become responsible for the consequences.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin word 'ligare', which means 'to bind' or 'to tie'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In English-speaking countries, many businesses are called 'LLC' which stands for 'Limited Liability Company', meaning the owners' personal money is protected if the business fails.
Quick Quiz
The company refused to accept _______ for the damaged goods.
Correct!
The correct answer is: liability
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Litigation is the process of using a court of law to solve a...
negligenceNegligence is the failure to take proper care in doing somet...
contractA formal and legally binding agreement between two or more p...
compensationCompensation is money given to someone to make up for a loss...
insuranceInsurance is a service you buy to protect yourself from losi...
More law words
justice
A1Justice is the quality of being fair and reasonable in how people are treated. It also refers to the legal system and the way laws are used to punish people who do wrong.
verdict
A1A verdict is the official decision made by a jury or judge in a court of law about whether someone is guilty or not guilty. It is also used to describe a person's final opinion or judgment about something after testing or considering it.
trial
A1A formal process in a court of law to decide if someone is guilty of a crime. It involves a judge, and sometimes a jury, who listen to evidence and witnesses.
hearing
A1In a legal context, a hearing is a formal meeting where a judge or official listens to facts and arguments about a specific issue. It is typically shorter and less formal than a full trial but follows strict legal rules.
litigation
A1Litigation is the process of using a court of law to solve a legal disagreement. It involves a judge or jury making a final decision about a dispute between people or companies.
testimony
A1A formal statement given by a witness in a court of law or a public meeting. It is also used to describe something that serves as clear proof that a fact is true.
witness
A1A witness is a person who sees an event, such as a crime or an accident, take place. In a legal context, this person provides information or evidence in a court about what they observed.
crime
A1A crime is an action that is against the law and is punishable by the government. It refers to illegal activities like stealing or hurting someone.
criminal
A1A person who has committed a crime or done something illegal. This word describes someone who breaks the law and may be punished by the police or a court.
felony
A1A felony is a very serious crime, such as murder or armed robbery. In legal systems, it is a crime that is punished more severely than a minor offense, often resulting in more than one year in prison.
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