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Definition of liable

liable

/ˈlaɪ.ə.bəl/
li · a · ble
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liable Lexical Profile

liable Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Legally responsible or obligated to pay for damages, debts, or official penalties.

Example

"The contractor was held liable for the structural damage caused by the faulty foundation."

2

Likely or prone to experience or do something undesirable.

Example

"Without proper hydration, marathon runners are liable to suffer from severe exhaustion."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for liable
Antonyms
View all antonyms for liable

Word Nuance & Usage

When indicating probability, 'liable' is typically restricted to undesirable or negative outcomes (e.g., 'liable to overheat'), whereas 'likely' is neutral and can apply to positive or negative events.

• Rhymes for liable

• Nearby Words

leycesteria
lhotse
liability
liable
liaise
liaison
liao

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 16th century from Anglo-French 'liable', derived from Old French 'lier' (to bind or tie) and ultimately from Latin 'ligare' (to bind).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Liable. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/liable
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