liability

American  

[lahy-uh-bil-i-tee] / ˌlaɪ əˈbɪl ɪ ti /

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.

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liability British  

/ ˌlaɪəˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state of being liable

2. a financial obligation

3. a hindrance or disadvantage

4. likelihood or probability

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liability Cultural  

1. An obligation or debt.

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Other Word Forms

• nonliability noun
• preliability noun

Etymology

Origin of liability

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

Example Sentences

Should the sales process spill into next year, however, Zaslav’s tax liability picture would improve and the $335 million set-aside would not be needed, according to documents.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Conor Benn says WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia is "good for boxing" but believes the American is a "liability".

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Property records show that the unit is still registered to the limited liability company that Jackman and Furness used when they purchased the home in 2008.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

We are leveling the playing field so that plan fiduciaries can exercise their judgment—selecting plan investments without fear of undue liability.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Da da da, liability, da da da, think you’re doing.

From "Feed" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

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