Words / B1

LEYE-uh-bl/ˈlaɪəbl/

Liable means legally responsible: liable for the damage; liable to pay. It also means likely (liable to flood). Responsible is everyday; likely is the second sense. Liability is the noun (already a cousin idea in business). Do not mix liable with libel (a false published statement). Pattern: liable for + noun; liable to + verb.

Meaning

Legally responsible (liable for); also likely to do something (liable to).

Examples

• “The company is liable for injuries on the building site.”
• “The contractor is liable for injuries on site.”
• “The cellar is liable to flood after heavy rain, which is the “likely” sense.”

Good to know

liable for (responsible); liable to + verb (likely). Noun: liability. Mix-up: libel (false publication).

Near in meaning

responsible

New