liable

8 definitions • 13 examples

having (legal) responsibility for something or someone:

The law holds parents liable if a child does not attend school.

If we lose the case we may be liable for (= have to pay) the costs of the whole trial.

very likely to do something:

The areas of town near the river are liable to flooding (= are often flooded).

[ + to infinitive ] He's liable to make a fuss if you wake him.

likely to do, happen, or experience something:

If you don’t take care of yourself, you’re liable to get sick.

He’s liable to say anything that comes into his head.

having legal responsibility for something:

He is still liable for repaying his student loan.

legally responsible for something or someone:

liable for sth The sellers were liable for all the damage.

This is a serious crime and they can be held liable.

responsible for paying something:

If you are self-employed, you are still liable to pay National Insurance Contributions.

liable to sth You will be liable to tax on the interest.

if someone is liable to a punishment, they will receive that punishment:

liable to sth He is guilty of an offence and liable to 14 years' imprisonment.

likely to do something:

liable to do sth They're liable to give you problems over your business proposal.