A liquid crystal composition includes a liquid crystal containing at least one mesomorphic compound having a cholesteric phase (Ch phase)-free mesomorphic phase, and at least one compound (e) having a limit of solubility in the liquid crystal and being contained in the composition in a proportion ranging from 20% of the limit of solubility to below the limit of solubility. The liquid crystal composition may preferably include the liquid crystal containing at least one fluorine-containing mesomorphic compound (a) having a fluorocarbon terminal portion and a hydrocarbon terminal portion, and at least one achiral compound (b), a the compound (e), having a specific ring structure and a specific terminal alkyl group free from a perfluorocarbon atom. The compound having a Ch phase-free mesomorphic phase, preferably the compound (a), and the compound (e), preferably the compound (b) are effective in providing the liquid crystal composition with a layer structure of so-called bookshelf or a layer structure having a small inclination angle (closer to bookshelf structure). The liquid crystal composition is useful in improving response characteristics and display characteristics, particularly a contrast ratio, of a liquid crystal device using the liquid crystal composition.