liability

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /laɪəˈbɪlɪti/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: li‧abil‧ity

Noun

liability (countable and uncountable, plural liabilities)

1. The condition of being liable.
2. An obligation, debt or responsibility owed to someone.
   • 1901, W. W. Jacobs, The Monkey's Paw

     "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."

3. A handicap that holds something back.
   • 2016 January 31, "Is Huma Abedin Hillary Clinton’s Secret Weapon or Her Next Big Problem?," Vanity Fair (retrieved 21 January 2016):

     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.”

4. The likelihood of something happening.
5. Someone or something that is a burden to whoever is required to take care of them; an individual or action that exposes others to greater risk.

Anagrams

• alibility