a serious liability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a serious liability' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a serious problem or burden that someone or something is responsible for. For example, "The company's lack of security created a serious liability for its customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

In historical exhibitions this could be a serious liability.

The New York Times - Arts

And going to college or university with a boyfriend somewhere is a serious liability.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many shareholders believe this is a serious liability risk to the co-op, but the board allows it to continue.

The New York Times

But it can be a serious liability when actions contrary to the principles of the movement are associated with it.

The New Yorker

Neither man apparently saw her lack of familiarity with major national or international issues as a serious liability.

The New York Times

In her dealings with parliamentary delegations, as with suitors and courtiers, the queen contrived to turn her gender from a serious liability into a distinct advantage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"This is a very serious liability for the country".

The New York Times

"A false listing will open them to serious liability," Mr. Lieberman said.

The New York Times

But it is a serious political liability to Mexico's president, Vicente Fox.

The New York Times

Whether he surrendered his seat voluntarily or under pressure from the Kremlin, Mr. Pekhtin's departure set a precedent in the Russian government, where high-level corruption and lavish spending overseas have developed into a serious political liability.

The New York Times

But the risk became a serious political liability when Mr Bush aligned himself with Ralph Reed, the former head of the Christian Coalition, and Bob Jones III, the head of a university that banned inter-racial dating, in order to crush Mr McCain in South Carolina.Ever since then Mr Bush has tried to rebrand himself as "a different kind of Republican".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious liability", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being considered a burden or disadvantage. Be specific about the entity or situation bearing the liability.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious liability" when the issue is only a minor inconvenience. Reserve it for situations with significant potential negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious liability" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as a significant burden, disadvantage, or risk. Ludwig examples showcase its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious liability" is a noun phrase used to describe something posing a significant burden or risk. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It commonly appears in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the cause and effect of the liability. Consider alternatives such as "a major disadvantage" or "a significant burden" to refine your meaning. Avoid using the phrase for minor issues to maintain its impact. Being mindful of the consequences of "a serious liability" ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major disadvantage

Replaces "liability" with "disadvantage", focusing on the negative aspect without the legal or financial connotation.

a significant burden

Substitutes "liability" with "burden", highlighting the weight or difficulty imposed.

a grave encumbrance

Uses more formal terms to convey a heavy and restrictive burden.

a critical weakness

Shifts the focus to a flaw or vulnerability that poses a risk.

a substantial handicap

Emphasizes the limiting effect, comparing it to a handicap in a competition.

a considerable drawback

Replaces "liability" with "drawback", underscoring a negative aspect or limitation.

a severe impediment

Conveys a significant obstacle or hindrance.

a risky proposition

Highlights the potential for negative outcomes or danger.

a perilous risk

Focuses on the dangerous aspect and the potential for harm.

a dangerous obligation

Emphasizes the risk associated with a duty or requirement.

FAQs

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

Use "a serious liability" to describe something that poses a significant disadvantage or risk. For instance, "The company's outdated technology became "a serious liability" in the competitive market".

What are some alternatives to "a serious liability"?

You can use alternatives such as "a major disadvantage", "a significant burden", or "a critical weakness" depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to be described as "a serious liability"?

Yes, the term "a serious liability" inherently carries a negative connotation, indicating a significant problem or disadvantage.

In what contexts is "a serious liability" most commonly used?

The phrase "a serious liability" is frequently encountered in contexts involving business, politics, and legal discussions, where potential risks and burdens are assessed. It can also be used more broadly to describe any significant disadvantage in a given situation.