What is the definition of a liability in an enterprise?

A liability in an enterprise is best defined as a present obligation arising from past events. This means that a company has a responsibility to settle a duty or obligation as a result of previous transactions or occurrences. For instance, when a company borrows money or purchases goods on credit, this creates an obligation that the company is required to pay back in the future.

The concept emphasizes that the obligation is already present—not something that might occur in the future or is dependent on future events. It represents a legal or constructive obligation that the company must settle, typically through the transfer of economic benefits such as cash or services.

The other options reference either future events or potential obligations, which do not align with the definition of a liability because liabilities are defined by existing obligations that arise from past transactions.