potential liability
2
6.5
- noun
- /pəˈtɛnʃəl laɪəˈbɪləti/
- Jargon
:
responsabilidad potencial
- In some instances, innovation in products and services is leading to some judicial scrutiny and potential liability based on our legal discovery principles.
- minimize potential liability
- reduces potential liability
- potential liability for business owners
Examples
-
The significant costs and potential liabilities of the SEC's rules do not justify the relatively small access.
Academic text (2017) -
The damage had been done, however; from then on, the company labeled Hirose as a potential liability.
Fiction book (2001) -
Thus, the potential liability and workers' compensation issues are enormous.
Academic text (1998) -
Unfortunately, given the newness of these laws, the extent of potential liability for business owners is still unknown.
Academic text (1996) -
Disclosing a computer intrusion can also save a company from significant potential liability, experts point out.
Academic text (2003) -
By implication, this also means that any person dealing with a toxic substance has potential liability exposure.
Academic text (1992) -
Part II examines the potential liability of Canadian companies for the cleanup of hazardous waste sites in the United States.
Academic text (1992) -
The act also expanded potential liability for employers, service providers, and carriers that transmit or otherwise make available restricted communications.
Academic text (1997) -
By being aware of these exposures, potential liabilities can be minimized through the implementation of effective loss control techniques.
Academic text (1996) -
Schools have quit being travel agents because of the potential liability involved in unexpected injuries during trips.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
A chance that people or things will be harmed
154
3.4
Something that can cause harm or danger
95
5.7
A person or thing that causes problems or puts someone at a disadvantage
Antonyms
How Risky
95
5.7
- Jargon
2
6.5
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is compositionally built from 'potential' (possible, not yet actual) + 'liability' (a disadvantage, obligation or source of risk), so its meaning 'a possible risk or disadvantage' is directly derivable from the parts. This adjective+noun pattern is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words will grasp the general sense (though they might not know specialized legal/accounting nuances).
Etymology
The phrase potential liability comes from the word potential, meaning 'possible in the future', and liability, meaning 'a burden or something that can cause trouble or a cost'. So, potential liability is used for a person or thing that might become 'a problem, risk, or loss' later.