responsibility

American  

[ri-spon-suh-bil-i-tee] / rɪˌspɒn səˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

responsibilities

1. the state or fact of being responsible, answerable, or accountable for something within one's power, control, or management.

   Synonyms:

   accountability, answerability

2. an instance of being responsible.

   The responsibility for this mess is yours!

3. a particular burden of obligation upon one who is responsible.

   the responsibilities of authority.

4. a person or thing for which one is responsible.

   A child is a responsibility to their parents.

5. reliability or dependability, especially in meeting debts or payments.

---

idioms

1. on one's own responsibility, on one's own initiative or authority.

   He changed the order on his own responsibility.

responsibility British  

/ rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or position of being responsible

2. a person or thing for which one is responsible

3. the ability or authority to act or decide on one's own, without supervision

---

Other Word Forms

• nonresponsibility noun
• preresponsibility noun
• self-responsibility noun
• superresponsibility noun

Etymology

Origin of responsibility

First recorded in 1780–90; respons(ible) + -ibility

Example Sentences

A better aim might be forming young adults for the work, responsibility and independence that accompany adult life.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company went on to tell owners and their representatives that it was their responsibility to comply with the company’s brand standards, laws and policies.

From The Wall Street Journal

But as a musician I’m in no position to say that I know what could have been done — that I know what they should be taking responsibility for.”

From Los Angeles Times

Dismissed by colleagues as a “clerical rat,” he assiduously studied the files whose handling was now his responsibility.

From The Wall Street Journal

The responsibility of reviving one of the most storied franchises in the NFL would fall to one of its most iconic figures.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• authority
• burden
• duty
• guilt
• importance
• liability
• obligation
• power
• restraint
• trust