The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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culpable

adjective

/ˈkʌlpəb(ə)l/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of culpable

Deserving of blame, guilt, or responsibility for a particular action, decision, or situation.
"The judge ruled that the company was culpable for the harm caused by their product."

Detailed meaning of culpable

When someone is deemed culpable, they are seen as having committed an act that is morally wrong or legally punishable. This term conveys a sense of wrongdoing and implies that the individual has engaged in behavior that has led to negative consequences or harm. Being culpable suggests a level of accountability for one's actions, and it can be used in legal, ethical, or moral contexts to highlight the person's role in a given outcome. 'Culpable' encapsulates the notion of being morally or legally answerable for an offense or mistake, emphasizing the connection between their actions and the negative results that have transpired.

Example sentences containing culpable

1. The investigation revealed that he was indeed culpable for the financial fraud.
2. She felt guilty and culpable for not speaking up when she witnessed the accident.
3. The court found the defendant culpable for the theft of valuable artwork.
4. The company's negligent practices made them culpable for the environmental damage.
5. Despite his attempts to shift blame, he was still deemed culpable for the project's failure.
6. The jury determined that the driver was culpable for the car crash due to reckless driving.

History and etymology of culpable

The adjective 'culpable' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'culpabilis,' which means 'worthy of blame' or 'guilty.' In English, 'culpable' describes something or someone deserving of blame, guilt, or responsibility for a particular action, decision, or situation. It suggests a degree of moral or legal liability, emphasizing that the subject in question has committed a wrongful or blameworthy act. 'Culpable' is often used in legal contexts to determine the degree of guilt or responsibility in a legal case and in general discourse to assess accountability for one's actions or choices.

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Further usage examples of culpable

1. The manager took responsibility for the mistake and admitted to being culpable.
2. The employee's actions were deemed culpable for the breach of sensitive data.
3. The company's executives were held culpable for their role in the accounting scandal.
4. The evidence made it clear that the organization was culpable for neglecting workplace safety.
5. His lack of supervision rendered him culpable for the accident that occurred on his watch.
6. The whistleblower's revelations made several high-ranking officials appear culpable.
7. The media coverage portrayed the politician as culpable for the corruption scandal.
8. The faulty product design made the manufacturer culpable for the injuries sustained.
9. The court ruled that the landlord was culpable for the tenant's health issues due to mold.
10. Her silence during the incident made her feel culpable for the ensuing conflict.
11. The investigative report held the construction company culpable for using subpar materials.
12. The regulatory agency deemed the pharmaceutical company culpable for the unsafe drug.
13. Despite the company's attempts to shift blame, their negligence made them culpable.
14. The board of directors faced public outrage for their culpable role in the financial crisis.