Dictionary
liable
legally responsible for something or someone
Four of the five defendants named in the civil suit have been held liable by Mr Justice Morgan.
Common Mistakes
- Do not confuse liable with libel, which means written defamation.
Phrase Bank
- The ICJ found the United States liable under these international norms.
- There is a growing risk that companies will be held liable for pollution and environmental damage.
- You could be fully liable for costs of any accidents or breakdowns on these roads.
- Generators, contractors, and farmers might all be held jointly and severally liable for any damages.
Additional Notes
- In AmE, liable is used only in civil contexts, but in BrE it is also used in criminal cases: A man should be liable for rape if he knows the woman is not consenting.
- personally liable - legal responsibility that a private individual must accept and which will not usually be taken on by another person or entity: Section 28(6) of the 1988 Education Act makes it clear that governors will not be personally liable in cases of injury or damage if they have acted in good faith.
- strictly liable - legal responsibility for something whether or not any fault is present: It follows that the surgeon will not be strictly liable for the products used, his obligation being to exercise reasonable care and skill.