liability Definition
- 1the state of being responsible for something, especially by law
- 2a person or thing whose presence or behavior is likely to cause embarrassment or put one at a disadvantage
Using liability: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "liability" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The company has a liability to pay compensation to the victims.
Example
The car's poor brakes are a liability on the road.
Example
His temper is a liability in his job as a customer service representative.
liability Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for liability
Idioms Using liability
Example
The repeat offender was considered a liability to society and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Example
Smoking is a liability to oneself, as it increases the risk of various health problems.
Example
The long commute to work is a necessary liability for him to be able to afford living in the city.
Phrases with liability
a type of legal structure for businesses where the owners' personal assets are protected from the company's debts and liabilities
Example
The business owner opted for a limited liability company to protect their personal assets.
a type of insurance that protects a business or organization from financial loss due to property damage or injury caused to a third party
Example
The event organizer purchased public liability insurance to cover any accidents or injuries that may occur during the event.
a type of legal responsibility that manufacturers and sellers have for injuries or damages caused by their products
Example
The company faced a lawsuit due to product liability after a customer was injured by their faulty product.
Origins of liability
from Old French 'liable', meaning 'bound'
Summary: liability in Brief
The term 'liability' [ˌlaɪəˈbɪləti] refers to being responsible for something, often by law, and can also refer to a person or thing that is likely to cause embarrassment or disadvantage. Examples include 'The company has a liability to pay compensation to the victims.' and 'His temper is a liability in his job as a customer service representative.' The term extends into phrases like 'limited liability,' and idioms like 'a liability to society,' denoting a burden or hindrance.
