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Irresponsibility: meaning, definitions and examples

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irresponsibility

 

[ ˌɪrɪˈspɒnsəˌbɪlɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

character trait

Irresponsibility refers to the lack of accountability or responsibility for one's actions or duties. It can manifest through neglecting obligations, making impulsive decisions, or failing to consider the consequences of one's actions. This behavior often leads to negative outcomes for oneself or others.

Synonyms

carelessness, negligence, recklessness

Examples of usage

  • His irresponsibility in managing finances led to significant debt.
  • Children may exhibit irresponsibility when they forget their chores.
  • The team's failure to meet deadlines was attributed to their irresponsibility.

Etymology

The term 'irresponsibility' derives from the prefix 'ir-', meaning 'not', attached to the word 'responsibility', which comes from the Latin 'responsabilis', meaning 'answerable' or 'accountable'. The roots of 'responsabilis' can be traced back to 'respondere', meaning 'to respond or answer'. The word began to see usage in English around the mid-19th century as societal norms evolved, highlighting the importance of personal accountability in various contexts, from everyday life to professional settings. Over time, 'irresponsibility' has not only referred to individual actions but has also been applied to collective behaviors, such as in corporate or governmental contexts where a lack of accountability can lead to widespread consequences.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,127, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.