liability

[ lahy-uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural li·a·bil·i·ties.

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 li·a·ble·ness [] 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 Words From

• non·li·a·bil·i·ty noun plural nonliabilities
• pre·li·a·bil·i·ty noun plural preliabilities

Word History and Origins

Origin of liability¹

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

Example Sentences

During the trial, a liability expert retained by Luna’s attorney, Arash Zabetian, said he had reviewed thousands of city documents and found no standards for inspecting the lights on a regular basis.

From Los Angeles Times

While individual unions could still choose whether to select players involved, if the world governing body refused to approve it, there would be major issues around player insurance and injury liability, officiating, and anti-doping.

From BBC

It advised customers to insure valuables kept in their safety boxes and denied any liability.

From BBC

It took decades to get this fund established because developed nations were wary of framing the payments as reparations and accepting liability for climate change on these terms.

From BBC

Within a few years, however, some of those positions proved a liability for Democrats when trying to win over persuadable voters and keep their coalition from fraying.

From BBC

Related Words

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