adjective
liable
Legally responsible or obligated.
The company is liable for injuries caused by its faulty equipment.
Etymology
The source verb means to bind. Legal liability is the condition of being bound to answer for an action or fulfill an obligation.
More examples
- Both tenants are liable for the unpaid rent.
- The court holds the driver liable for the damage.
- Business owners may be personally liable for certain debts.
Forms
liable
liability noun — Legal responsibility for debts or damages.
Similar words
- responsible
- Broader than liable; may describe moral rather than legal duties.
- obligated
- Emphasizes a binding duty rather than responsibility for harm.