Pronunciation

/ˈlaɪəbl/

Definitions

• Adjective: (liable for something) Legally responsible for something, especially a debt or damages; accountable. For example: “The company is liable for any defects in their products.”
• Adjective: (liable to do something) Likely or apt to do something, often something negative or undesirable. For example: “Drivers are liable to get lost without a map.”
• Adjective: (liable for something happening) Exposed to the chance of something unpleasant or detrimental happening. For example: “Elderly people are more liable to catch colds in winter.”

Phrases

• “Be liable for”: To have the legal responsibility or potential to incur something. Example: “He will be liable for any damage caused by his pet.”
• “Liable to happen”: Indicating that something has a strong tendency or likelihood of occurring. Example: “In such conditions, accidents are liable to happen.”

Example Sentences

• Adjective (legal responsibility): “If you sign this contract, you will be personally liable for the rent payments.”
• Adjective (likely to do something): “Teenagers are liable to experiment with new things during their formative years.”
• Adjective (exposure to risk): “People with weakened immune systems are more liable to develop complications from the flu.”

Synonyms

• Responsible
• Accountable
• Obliged
• Bound
• Subject (to)
• Prone
• Susceptible
• Vulnerable