51Թ

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View synonyms for

liable

[lahy-uh-buhl]

adjective

  1. legally responsible.

    You are liable for the damage caused by your action.

    Synonyms: ,
  2. subject or susceptible.

    to be liable to heart disease.

  3. likely or apt.

    He's liable to get angry.



liable

/ ˈɪəə /

adjective

  1. legally obliged or responsible; answerable

  2. susceptible or exposed; subject

  3. probable, likely, or capable

    it's liable to happen soon

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Usage

Liable is often interchangeable with likely in constructions with a following infinitive where the sense is that of probability: The Sox are liable (or likely ) to sweep the Series. Some usage guides, however, say that liable can be used only in contexts in which the outcome is undesirable: The picnic is liable to be spoiled by rain. This use occurs often in formal writing but not to the exclusion of use in contexts in which the outcome is desirable: The drop in unemployment is liable to stimulate the economy. Apt may also be used in place of liable or likely in all the foregoing examples. See also apt, likely.
The use of liable to to mean likely to was formerly considered incorrect, but is now acceptable
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • nonliable adjective
  • preliable adjective
  • unliable adjective
  • ˈԱ noun
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of liable1

First recorded in 1535–45; from Anglo-French “to bind,” from Latin ) + -able
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of liable1

C15: perhaps via Anglo-French, from Old French lier to bind, from Latin
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Shell denies wrongdoing and says spills in the region have been caused by sabotage, theft and illegal refining for which the company says it is not liable.

From

With her second serve liable to cough up double faults, and her forehand identified as a weakness, there were debates whether the issues were down to her mentality or technical deficiencies.

From

While the email assured him he was not liable for the debt and would not receive further communication, bills continued to be sent to Mr Holden's house.

From

Its purpose is to hold employers, housing providers and others liable for practices that disproportionately harm vulnerable groups.

From

The Home Office then issued a "no action notice" the following month, confirming the company was not liable for a civil penalty.

From

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liability limitliaise