Culpable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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culpable

[ˈkʌlpəbəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

legal term

Deserving blame; guilty of committing a crime or wrongdoing.

Synonyms

blameworthy, guilty, responsible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
culpable

Culpable is used when someone is considered to be responsible for something bad or wrong, but not necessarily with legal implications. It often implies a moral fault or responsibility.

  • The committee found him culpable for the project's failure.
  • Her actions were seen as culpable negligence.
guilty

Guilty is often used when someone has been found or declared to have committed a crime or moral wrongdoing. It has a strong legal connotation and is also used to express personal feelings of guilt.

  • The jury found him guilty of theft.
  • She felt guilty for lying to her friend.
blameworthy

Blameworthy is used in situations where someone deserves blame for a mistake or wrongdoing. It carries a moral connotation and is often used in ethical discussions.

  • The accident was the result of blameworthy conduct on the part of the driver.
  • His behavior was highly blameworthy and disappointing.
responsible

Responsible is a more neutral term used to indicate someone is in charge of or accountable for something. It is used in both positive and negative contexts, without strong moral or legal implications.

  • He is responsible for the safety of the team.
  • She was held responsible for the error in the report.

Examples of usage

  • He was found culpable for the theft.
  • The evidence made him culpable for the fraud.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'culpable'

The word 'culpable' originated from the Latin word 'culpabilis', which means 'deserving blame'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. In legal contexts, 'culpable' is often associated with criminal responsibility and accountability for wrongful actions.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,373, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.