liability

[lahy-uh-bil-i-tee]

noun

plural

liabilities 

1. liabilities,

   1. Finance.,  moneys owed; debts or pecuniary obligations (assets ).

   2. Accounting.,  liabilities as detailed on a balance sheet, especially in relation to assets and capital.

2. something disadvantageous.

   His lack of education is his biggest liability.

3. Also liableness the state or quality of being liable.

   liability to disease.

liability

/ ˌlaɪəˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state of being liable

2. a financial obligation

3. a hindrance or disadvantage

4. likelihood or probability

liability

1. An obligation or debt.

Other Word Forms

• nonliability noun
• preliability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of liability¹

First recorded in 1785–95; li(able) + -ability

Example Sentences

Los Angeles had taken in weaker than expected tax revenues, paid out more in legal liabilities and adopted large-scale raises for city employees.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Chargers didn’t do a lot to upgrade the interior of their line, a liability in January’s playoff loss at Houston, but signing Becton was a step in the right direction.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The actor has since rehomed the two adult dogs and their three puppies, the statement said, adding “the liability of keeping them was simply too great.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He said Skat had "failed to established any of the claims pursued at trial where liability was disputed".

Read more on BBC

They are suing the venue for negligence and premises liability and Zavala for battery.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• damage 
• inconvenience 
• involvement 
• loan 
• mortgage 
• obligation 
• responsibility