ENGLISH
REFERENCE

liable

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈɫaɪəbəɫ// UK //lˈaɪəbəl// li·able

adj. legally responsible for something, like paying for damage. It can also mean that something is likely to happen, especially something bad.

adj. legally responsible for a specific outcome or debt; also used to describe a high probability of experiencing something undesirable.


SIMPLE

The shop owner is liable for any accidents on the property.

CONTEXTUAL

If you do not have the correct insurance, you may be held personally liable for the repair costs after a car accident.

COMPLEX

In many jurisdictions, manufacturers are strictly liable for injuries caused by defective products, regardless of whether they were negligent during the production process.

Synonyms
Origin

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

Usage

When meaning 'likely', it is followed by an infinitive ('liable to slip'); when meaning 'responsible', it is followed by 'for' ('liable for damages').

Pitfall

He is liable of the debtHe is liable for the debtWhen expressing legal responsibility, the adjective takes the preposition 'for', not 'of'.

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