Major liability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Major liability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe a significant risk or disadvantage associated with a person, organization, or situation. Example: "The company's failure to comply with safety regulations poses a major liability that could lead to severe legal consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Who knew that they were also a major liability?

The New York Times

But George is fast becoming a major liability".

The Guardian

There's just one problem: Lewis's declining athleticism has made him a major liability in coverage.

The New York Times

Yet what began as a way to hedge against risk has turned into a major liability.

The New York Times

"This will be a major liability that Mitt Romney brings into the race," he said.

The New York Times

For one, pension increases, a major liability for the Big Three, have been scaled back.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

He listed no major liabilities.

The New York Times

And on a bank loan application from 1994, he failed to list major liabilities.

The New York Times

These are not major liabilities, however, and I leave it to Bible experts to parse them all.

The New York Times - Books

Among new Democratic chairmen, Senator Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont, who heads the Judiciary Committee, reported no major sources of unearned income and no major liabilities in 2000.

The New York Times

If there are major liabilities out there, do you have a sense of how they are distributed geographically among the United States, Europe, and the emerging economies?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major liability", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is burdened or negatively affected. Providing specific examples strengthens the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "major liability" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the risk or negative impact is truly significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major liability" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "major" modifies the noun "liability". It describes something that poses a significant disadvantage or risk. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major liability" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant disadvantage or risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the affected party and the nature of the risk. Alternatives like "significant disadvantage" or "serious drawback" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Avoid overstating the severity and reserve the phrase for truly significant issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Major disadvantage

Simply replaces "liability" with a synonym.

Significant disadvantage

Focuses on the negative aspect and lack of benefit.

Serious drawback

Highlights a problematic feature or aspect.

Key weakness

Emphasizes a point of vulnerability or deficiency.

Principal burden

Highlights the weight or difficulty caused.

Primary obstacle

Stresses the impediment or barrier effect.

Considerable impediment

Highlights something that obstructs progress.

Notable handicap

Focuses on a disadvantage that hinders progress.

Substantial encumbrance

Stresses the restrictive or burdensome nature.

Critical vulnerability

Emphasizes the aspect of being exposed or at risk.

FAQs

How can I use "major liability" in a sentence?

Use "major liability" to describe a significant disadvantage or risk. For instance, "The company's debt has become a "major liability" during the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to saying "major liability"?

You can use alternatives like "significant disadvantage", "serious drawback", or "key weakness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "major liability" or "significant liability"?

Both "major liability" and "significant liability" are acceptable. "Major" emphasizes the scale or importance of the liability, while "significant" highlights its noteworthiness or impact. Choose the word that best fits the specific context.

When should I avoid using the phrase "major liability"?

Avoid using "major liability" when describing minor issues or inconveniences. The phrase is best reserved for situations involving substantial risks, burdens, or disadvantages that have significant consequences.