The term "liabilities" refers to the financial obligations or debts that a company or individual is responsible for. These obligations can include loans, accounts payable, mortgages, and any other debts that must be paid in the future. In a business context, liabilities are part of the balance sheet and are generally categorized into current liabilities (due within one year) and long-term liabilities (due after one year).
The word "liability" originates from the Latin word "liabilitas," which means "the condition of being liable," and is derived from "ligare," meaning "to bind." The term entered the English language in the late 19th century.