Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

liability

/laɪəˈbɪlɪti/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.16 in modern English

Syllables: li-abil-ity
IPA: /laɪəˈbɪlɪti/

14

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

5

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

An obligation, debt or responsibility owed to someone.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

An obligation, debt or responsibility owed to someone.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

A handicap that holds something back, a drawback, someone or something that is a burden to whoever is required to take care of them; a person or action that exposes others to greater risk.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

A handicap that holds something back, a drawback, someone or something that is a burden to whoever is required to take care of them; a person or action that exposes others to greater risk.

Countable; Derogatory; Informal; Uncountable

noun

The likelihood of something happening.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

The condition of being susceptible to something.

Countable; Uncountable

Example Sentences

""I was to say that Maw and Meggins disclaim all responsibility," continued the other. "They admit no liability at all, but in consideration of your son's services they wish to present you with a certain sum as compensation.""
"Those products – known as liability-driven investing, or LDIs – help offset liabilities and risks on pension funds’ books."
"Asked if at some point Huma becomes a liability to Hillary, the long-term Clinton insider replies, “It’s like anything else. I don’t think so, but you know I don’t have any idea. Hillary is very loyal, but she’s obviously pragmatic.”"
"You're a bloody liability sometimes!"

Etymology

Etymology tree English liable Proto-Indo-European *-teh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-ts Proto-Indo-European *-teh₂ts Latin -itāsder. Old French -itebor. Middle English -ite English -ity English liability From liable + -ity.

Usage

Inflected Forms

liabilities (plural)

Derived Forms

nonliability

Phrases

alternative liability chancel repair liability current liability enterprise liability imputed liability liability insurance limited-liability limited liability

Frequently Paired Words

asset

Synonyms

indebtedness financial obligation

Antonyms

asset

Rhymes With

facility stability disability inability credibility visibility sustainability eligibility instability vulnerability humility accessibility

Questions

How do you pronounce liability?: The recorded pronunciation is /laɪəˈbɪlɪti/.
What does liability mean?: An obligation, debt or responsibility owed to someone.
Where does liability come from?: Etymology tree English liable Proto-Indo-European *-teh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-ts Proto-Indo-European *-teh₂ts Latin -itāsder. Old French -itebor. Middle English -ite English -ity English liability From liable + -ity.

How to pronounce liability

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “liability”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/laɪəˈbɪlɪti/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
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