Synonyms for

Liability

Verb / ˌlaɪʌˈbɪlɪti: / Another word for liability — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Liability refers to the legal responsibility for something, especially debts or damages.

Synonyms & similar words

asset financialobligation indebtedness obligation accountability responsibility debt indebtedness due charge encumbrance burden onus duty liabilities account arrearage debit score tab

Synonyms by register

Formal

obligation responsibility accountability encumbrance

Informal

burden drag downside weakness

Literary

impediment hindrance

Antonyms

asset advantage strength benefit boon plus

Common collocations

  • financial liability
  • legal liability
  • potential liability
  • personal liability
  • limited liability
  • assume liability
  • reduce liability
  • avoid liability

Word family

noun liability
verb oblige
adjective liable

Usage note

In a financial or legal context, 'liability' refers to a debt or obligation. It can also refer to a disadvantage or a person/thing that is an embarrassment or burden.

Example sentences

  1. The liability for the accident was determined to be the driver's.
  2. The company has a liability to pay its employees.
  3. John was found to have a liability of $5,000 in credit card debt.
  4. The liability insurance covered the damages caused by the accident.
  5. The business was facing too much liability and had to close down.

Quotes

  • Liability does not simply refer to the costs of an accident, but to the responsibility for an accident. - Michael D. Greenberg
  • Ignorance of the law is no excuse in any country. If it were, the laws would lose their effect, because it can always be pretended. - Thomas Jefferson
  • If you owe the bank $100, that's your problem. If you owe the bank $100 million, that's the bank's problem. - J. Paul Getty

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