culpable

[ kuhl-puh-buhl ]

adjective

1. deserving blame or censure; blameworthy.

   Synonyms: reprehensible

culpable

/ ˈkʌlpəbəl /

adjective

1. deserving censure; blameworthy

Derived Forms

• ˈculpably, adverb
• ˌculpaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• culpa·bili·ty culpa·ble·ness noun
• culpa·bly adverb
• non·culpa·ble adjective
• non·culpa·ble·ness noun
• non·culpa·bly adverb
• un·culpa·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of culpable¹

1275–1325; Middle English < Latin culpābilis, equivalent to culpā ( re ) to hold liable (derivative of culpa blame) + -bilis -ble; replacing Middle English coupable < Middle French < Latin as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of culpable¹

C14: from Old French coupable, from Latin culpābilis, from culpāre to blame, from culpa fault

Example Sentences

Coltart then instructed another law firm to pursue a legal case against Smyth who was eventually charged with culpable homicide over Guide’s death, as well as charges relating to the beatings.

From BBC

City's lawyers argued that the suspension, being in custody and his bail terms "clearly amounted to a full impediment to Mr Mendy being able to perform his contract" and that the impediments were a result of his "culpable behaviour".

From BBC

In Scotland, it is possible that helping a person to die could lead to prosecution for an offence such as culpable homicide.

From BBC

And judging by the sentences imposed on the most culpable of the Jan. 6 ground soldiers, Trump would be looking at years in prison in this case too.

From Los Angeles Times

In Scotland, it is possible that helping a person to die could lead to prosecution for an offence such as culpable homicide.

From BBC

Related Words

• guilty
• impeachable
• liable
• reprehensible
• responsible