liability

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'liability' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express something that presents a possible loss or risk, such as a person or organization that can be held responsible for something, or a debt or obligation that must be paid or fulfilled. Example: The company is responsible for any liabilities that may arise from the new law.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing excludes or limits GNMA's liability for personal injury or death due to its negligence.

The Guardian

Subject to the above, GNMA's liability to you is limited to the fees you have actually paid for the relevant Guardian Masterclass.

The Guardian

The third issue the EFF is concerned with is that of intermediary liability, which burdens ISPs and websites with stricter copyright infringement laws in a way that is veiled censorship, cautions Sutton.

The Guardian - Business

The claims will be argued with reference to contractual and extra contractual liability under Colombian law.

The Guardian

He said such action would be taken if organisations like the BBC or the Savile estate denied liability, prompting lawyers to seek disclosure from the police.

The Guardian

The list of internationally approved war crimes indictments drawn up by the commission cover important modern categories of crimes, including aggression, genocide, crimes against humanity, modes of liability – including that of mid-level perpetrators - and international procedures, as well as the development of international criminal justice as a whole.

The Guardian

Graeme Swann has spoken out about the circumstances surrounding his retirement, saying he had become "a liability", while urging England to keep Kevin Pietersen in the team.

The Guardian - Sport

"This value has been determined by considering the current asset and liability position of the business; the future profit cash flows and the associated capital investment set out within the management's five-year plan for the business; the risk attaching to the various cash flows and the costs of disposing of the business," Saga said.

The Guardian

In reference to the failed raid, Zinzan agreed that the police were not good enough at apologising, insisting that in the past they'd been too wary of saying anything that might invite liability.

The Guardian - Opinion

The submission also recommends a provision that protects people from criminal, civil or disciplinary liability where they volunteer information to the committee.

The Guardian

Bill Clinton has always been both a huge liability and asset to Hillary's political aspirations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "liability", clearly specify who or what is liable and for what actions or outcomes. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in legal and business contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "liability" and "responsibility" interchangeably. While related, "liability" often has legal or financial implications, whereas "responsibility" can refer to a broader moral or ethical duty.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "liability" is as a noun. It refers to the state of being responsible for something, especially by law. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "liability" functions primarily as a noun, denoting responsibility or obligation, particularly in legal and financial contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans from neutral news reports to formal business documents. To avoid ambiguity, always specify the liable party and the scope of their accountability. Differentiating it from terms like "responsibility" is crucial, as "liability" often carries more specific legal implications. The provided examples show a very common usage of the word and highlight its importance in discussions ranging from corporate finance to individual accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legal responsibility

Focuses specifically on the legal aspect of being held accountable.

financial obligation

Highlights the financial aspect of "liability", referring to debts and payments.

accountability

Emphasizes the state of being answerable or responsible for actions.

culpability

Focuses on the degree of blameworthiness or guilt associated with an action.

burden

Implies something that is difficult to bear or carry, often used metaphorically.

risk

Highlights the possibility of loss or harm, a key element of "liability".

debt

Specifically refers to a sum of money owed.

onus

Emphasizes the duty or responsibility for a task or burden.

exposure

Highlights vulnerability to loss or harm.

drawback

Indicates a negative aspect or disadvantage.

FAQs

How is "liability" typically used in a legal context?

In law, "liability" refers to the state of being legally responsible for something, such as a debt or the consequences of an action. It often involves a financial obligation or the potential for legal action.

What are some common examples of "liability" in business?

In business, "liability" can include debts, accounts payable, and potential legal claims against the company. Managing and mitigating liabilities is a key aspect of financial management.

What is the difference between "liability" and "asset"?

"Liability" represents what a company owes to others (debts, obligations), while "asset" refers to what a company owns (cash, equipment, property). They are opposite sides of the balance sheet.

Can you be held "liable" without being at fault?

In some cases, yes. Strict "liability" laws can hold a party responsible for damages even without proof of negligence or fault. This is common in certain product "liability" cases.