View synonyms for

liable

[ lahy-uh-buhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

legally responsible:
You are liable for the damage caused by your action.
Synonyms: ,
subject or susceptible:
to be liable to heart disease.
likely or apt:
He's liable to get angry.

liable

/ ˈ��ɪə��ə�� /

adjective

legally obliged or responsible; answerable
susceptible or exposed; subject
probable, likely, or capable
it's liable to happen soon

Discover More

Usage Note

Liable is often interchangeable with likely in constructions with a following infinitive where the sense is that of probability: The Sox are liable (or likely ) to sweep the Series. Some usage guides, however, say that liable can be used only in contexts in which the outcome is undesirable: The picnic is liable to be spoiled by rain. This use occurs often in formal writing but not to the exclusion of use in contexts in which the outcome is desirable: The drop in unemployment is liable to stimulate the economy. Apt may also be used in place of liable or likely in all the foregoing examples. apt, likely.

Discover More

Usage

The use of liable to to mean likely to was formerly considered incorrect, but is now acceptable

Discover More

Derived Forms

ˈ��Ա��, noun

Discover More

Other Word Forms

�Դǲ�·��a·�� adjective
��·��a·�� adjective
�ܲ�·��a·�� adjective

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of liable¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Anglo-French “to bind,” from Latin �� ) + -able

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of liable¹

C15: perhaps via Anglo-French, from Old French lier to bind, from Latin ��

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Coverage in the national media said Mr Franklin's firm, ADL, could be liable for a £200,000 fine if a breach of regulations was to be found.

From

The risk for the "boosters" is that they are jointly liable for the mortgage in the event the buyer is unable to make repayments.

From

Trump's family business was found liable in 2023 of falsifying records and financial statements in order to get better terms on loans and insurance deals.

From

If not, they can be classed as second homes and liable for council tax - which in some areas means paying an additional premium.

From

Way had denied abusing her and said their relationship was consensual - but a jury in a civil trial found him liable for sexual battery, assault and gender violence.

From

Related Words

liability limit liaise

Browse