liable

adjective

LY-uh-buhl/ˈlaɪ̯əbəl/

4 meanings of liable

1
adjectivenot before a noun
Likely to happen, or likely to do a certain thing.
If you leave the milk out, it's liable to go bad.
The old car is liable to break down on long trips.
Similarlikely, apt, prone, inclined, bound
Oppositeunlikely
Note
2
adjective
Responsible in law for something, so that you must pay for it or fix it.
Like being the person who has to pay for a window you broke.
If the dog bites someone, the owner is liable for the costs.
Drivers are liable for any damage they cause in an accident.
Similarresponsible, accountable, answerable, obligated
Oppositeexempt, immune
Note
3
adjective
Likely to be affected by something bad, such as an illness or a problem.
Like dry grass that catches fire easily.
People with weak immune systems are liable to infections.
Wooden houses are liable to damage from termites.
Similarprone, susceptible, subject, vulnerable, predisposed
Oppositeimmune, resistant, invulnerable
Note
4
adjective
Open to the chance of something happening to you, usually something you do not want.
Like standing in the open during a storm: you could easily get hit.
If you park here, your car is liable to be towed.
Anyone who breaks the rules is liable to a fine.
Similarsubject, exposed, open, susceptible, vulnerable
Oppositeimmune, exempt, protected

Practice

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Origin

From Old French lier meaning "to bind," from Latin ligare meaning "to bind or tie."