(often followed by `to') likely to be affected with
"liable to diabetes"
held legally responsible
"men between the ages of 18 and 35 were liable for military service"
bound or obliged in law or equity; responsible; answerable.
"The company is liable for all damages caused by the defective product, regardless of who manufactured it."
In plain English: Liable means being legally responsible for something or likely to happen.
"The old bridge is liable to collapse during heavy rain."
Usage: Use "liable" to indicate that someone is legally responsible for an action or outcome, such as being liable for damages. Avoid confusing it with "likely," which describes probability rather than legal obligation.
The word liable comes from the Old French verb lier, which means "to bind." It entered English with the sense of being bound or obligated, reflecting its original meaning in Latin as well.