culpable (C2)

adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈkʌlpəbl/

Definition

Deserving of blame or censure for a wrongdoing or failure.

Examples

• The court determined that the driver was culpable due to his negligence behind the wheel.

• Although the manager did not commit the fraud, he was held culpable for failing to implement proper oversight.

• Both parties were found equally culpable for the breakdown in negotiations.

How to Use culpable

culpable of (prepositional phrase)

deserving blame for a specific action — "He was found culpable of gross negligence."

hold someone culpable (collocation)

to officially judge someone as blameworthy — "The committee held the director culpable for the project's failure."

Synonyms of culpable

Words with a similar meaning to culpable:

• guilty
• blameworthy
• responsible
• liable

Antonyms of culpable

Words with the opposite meaning to culpable:

• innocent
• blameless

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary