culpable
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “culpable” mean?
adjective.deserving blame.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts involving morality, ethics, or legal discussions, emphasizing accountability for wrongdoing. It suggests a deeper implication of responsibility and guilt, distinguishing it from similar words like "blameworthy," which may lack the moral weight and nuance of intentional wrongdoing.
Common Confusions
Culpable implies a moral responsibility for wrongdoing, while blameworthy usually suggests a more general attribution of fault without the same ethical implications.
Do not choose culpable if the context emphasizes innocence or lack of responsibility rather than deserving blame.
Example Sentences
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The company was found culpable for violating safety regulations.