What does "liable" mean?

1. (legally responsible) legally responsible for something, such as paying for damage or a mistake. 2. (likely to experience something) likely to do something or have something happen to you, usually something bad.

How do you use "liable"?

Usually follows the verb 'to be' and takes the preposition 'for'. Commonly followed by 'to' and an infinitive verb.

liable

adj.

US //ˈɫaɪəbəɫ// UK //lˈaɪəbəl// li·able

1 legally responsible (adj.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

legally responsible for something, such as paying for damage or a mistake.

legally responsible or answerable for an act, debt, or damage. Often takes the preposition 'for'.

Example

If you break the window, you are liable for the cost of the repair.

Example

The court ruled that the manufacturer was strictly liable for the injuries caused by the defective component, regardless of their safety protocols.

Usage

Usually follows the verb 'to be' and takes the preposition 'for'.
- exempt
- immune
2 likely to experience something (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

likely to do something or have something happen to you, usually something bad.

subject to or likely to experience a particular negative contingency or state.

Example

The old wooden bridge is liable to collapse if too many cars use it.

Example

In this humid climate, iron railings are liable to rust within a few months if they are not treated with protective paint.

Usage

Commonly followed by 'to' and an infinitive verb.

Teacher's tip

While 'likely' is neutral, 'liable' almost always introduces a negative or unwanted outcome.
- unlikely

Origin

From Old French lier (“to bind”), from Latin ligare (“to bind, to tie”).