Word
liable
Meanings
likely to do something or to experience something, especially something unpleasant
legally responsible for something, such as paying for damage or loss
Definition
Likely to do, experience, or be affected by something, often something unpleasant.
If someone or something is liable to do something, it is likely to happen, especially in a negative way. In law, liable can also mean legally responsible for something, such as damage or a payment. The word is often used to warn about risks or to clarify responsibility.
Examples
- If we skip the rehearsal, the presentation is liable to fall apart in front of the clients.
- He is liable to snap when he is exhausted, so he tries to take breaks before meetings.
- This coastal road is liable to flood after heavy storms, so they check conditions before driving.
- The company could be liable for the damage if it ignored repeated safety warnings.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "liable" (likely/legally responsible) with "reliable" (trustworthy).
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.