Which of the following defines liabilities?

The definition of liabilities as obligations or debts owed to others is fundamental in accounting and finance. Liabilities represent the financial commitments that a company has towards external parties, which can include loans, accounts payable, mortgages, and other forms of debt. This concept is critical because it helps to understand the financial health of an entity by providing insight into what the company owes versus what it owns. Understanding liabilities is essential for assessing a company's overall financial position and its cash flow situation, as these obligations influence how much credit a business can access and what risks it might face.

The other options provide different financial terms or classifications. Measures of a company’s financial performance refer to metrics like revenue, profit, and return on investment, which assess how well a company is doing but do not specifically represent obligations. Revenue sources are income streams that contribute to profitability, not obligations to pay. Lastly, assets that are readily convertible to cash describe liquidity and financial resources, which differ significantly from the concept of liabilities. Thus, the correct definition of liabilities focuses on the debts owed, highlighting the obligations aspect of financial accounting.