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

In the video from 2022, Trump says he would change Section 230, a law that shields platforms from liability for user-generated content.

From Los Angeles Times

They all had to sign a liability waiver.

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

Wade overturned, findings of liability for sexual abuse in civil court and criminal indictments.

From Salon

Related Words

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