Definition
Culpable means deserving blame or being responsible for wrongdoing or fault.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
guilty, blameworthy, accountable, responsible, liable, answerable
Antonyms
innocent, blameless
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | culpablenesses, culpableness, culpability, culpabilities |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | culpable |
| Adverb | culpably |
Example Sentences
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The company was found culpable for polluting the river and had to pay a hefty fine.
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Despite being the one who caused the accident, he refused to accept any culpable responsibility.
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The judge found the defendant culpable of embezzlement and sentenced him to ten years in prison.
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The police officer was held culpable for using excessive force on the suspect and was suspended from duty.
Usage
Culpable is a word often used in legal and ethical contexts to describe someone who is at fault or responsible for wrongdoing. It is frequently used in legal proceedings to determine who is accountable for an offense or crime.
The word “culpable” comes from the Latin word “culpabilis” which means “deserving of blame.” The prefix “culp” means fault or blame, which is also seen in other words such as “culprit” and “inculpate.”
When using “culpable,” it is important to consider the severity of the offense or wrongdoing. It is typically used to describe significant or intentional wrongdoing rather than minor mistakes or errors. Additionally, it is important to consider the level of responsibility of the individual or entity in question. For example, a company may be culpable for the actions of its employees if it failed to implement adequate training or policies.
Overall, the word “culpable” is a useful term for describing responsibility or blame in situations where wrongdoing has occurred. It can be used in legal, ethical, and moral contexts to determine who is responsible for a particular action or situation.