obligated
Americanadjective
-
bound by law or regulation, moral principle, duty, etc.; obliged.
My supervisors talked with me regularly about my ambitions and struggles, not because they felt obligated, but because they truly cared.
-
(of funds, property, etc.) pledged, committed, or bound, as to meet an obligation.
If a parent is unable to pay the obligated amount, they are free to request the court to modify the child support order.
verb
Other Word Forms
- nonobligated adjective
- quasi-obligated adjective
- unobligated adjective
Etymology
Origin of obligated
First recorded in 1730–40; obligate ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. ); for the adjective senses; obligate ( def. ) + -ed 1 ( def. ) for the verb sense
Explanation
It could be going to a baby shower, buying someone lunch, or turning in your research paper by Tuesday. If you have to do it — even if you'd rather not — then you’re obligated. Obligated can mean that you have to do something because the law or the rules say that you do. For example, you’re obligated to pay your taxes by April 15. It can also mean that you just feel like you need to do something because it’s the right thing to do or because you feel like you owe someone. You’re obligated to go to your best friend’s birthday party, even though you’d rather be out with your new boyfriend.
Vocabulary lists containing obligated
Unit 3: Compelling Evidence
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In return for receiving those generous financing terms, investors are obligated to buy it at $633 or lower.
From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026
Air Canada, a former state-owned airline that was privatized over three decades ago, is obligated under Canadian law to have its headquarters in Montreal and offer all services in both English and French.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
Financial advisers are legally obligated to disclose such revenue sharing, and they typically must do this in writing.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026
Ethir said she believes the department has not provided all the records it is legally obligated to give the officers.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026
At the hearing, I pointed out that Justice was an adult, and was not obligated to return to Mqhekezweni merely because his father ordered it.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
