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View synonyms for culpable

culpable

[ kuhl-puh-buhl ]

adjective

  1. deserving blame or censure; blameworthy.

    Synonyms: reprehensible



culpable

/ ˈkʌlpəbəl /

adjective

  1. deserving censure; blameworthy
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈculpably, adverb
  • ˌculpaˈbility, noun
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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
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of culpable1

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

She has since suggested that the United States covertly worked with Ukraine on dangerous biological pathogens and was culpable for the bombing of the Nord Stream gas pipeline from Russia to Germany in September 2022.

The 16-year-old boy, who was 15 at the time, was originally charged with murder but admitted the lesser charge of culpable homicide.

From BBC

The WRU is culpable and questions surround whether there is any credible succession planning.

From BBC

Rogers' fellow Scarlets wing Blair Murray was defensively culpable for the first Australia try as he missed Wright with the visiting full-back gliding over.

From BBC

If found culpable, Spolin, 39, faces possible penalties ranging from probation to disbarment by the state Supreme Court.

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More About Culpable

What does culpable mean?

Culpable means deserving blame for a crime or wrongdoing.

When someone is described as culpable for something, it means it’s their fault or that they are guilty of it.

Culpable is typically used in serious legal contexts involving crimes.

The noun culpability refers to the guilt or blame that is deserved for some crime or wrongdoing.

Example: The CEO should be held criminally culpable for the negligence that resulted in the deaths of several employees.

Where does culpable come from?

The first records of the word culpable come from around 1300. It ultimately comes from the Latin verb culpāre, meaning “to hold liable,” from the Latin culpa, meaning “blame.” Culpa also appears in the Latin phrase mea culpa, meaning “my fault.”

You’re culpable if you’re responsible for something going wrong. Even if you weren’t the one who directly caused harm, you could still be considered legally culpable if you had some role in it. For example, if it was your responsibility to ensure the safety of others by inspecting equipment and you neglected to do so, you could be held culpable if people were hurt as a result of your negligence.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to culpable?

  • culpably (adverb)
  • culpability (noun)
  • culpableness (noun)
  • nonculpable (adjective)

What are some synonyms for culpable?

What are some words that share a root or word element with culpable

What are some words that often get used in discussing culpable?

How is culpable used in real life?

Culpable is usually used in a very serious way. It’s especially used in a legal context.

 

 

Try using culpable!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of culpable?

A. illegal
B. responsible
C. liable
D. blameworthy

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culpabilityculpable homicide