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

But the law also says this safe harbor “shall not bear adversely upon the consideration of” a provider’s defense against infringement liability.

From The Wall Street Journal

The first problem Maduro and his allies face is criminal liability, analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some might see you as a bigger liability for a speeding ticket than others, for example.

From MarketWatch

That means some of the sweetness in milk-based drinks will not count towards the total sugar when determining their liability for the tax.

From BBC

Obeying a manifestly illegal order, like an order to target civilians, can expose a service member to criminal liability.

From Salon

Related Words

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