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Responsibility: meaning, definitions and examples

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responsibility

 

[rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪlɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

workplace

The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.

Synonyms

accountability, duty, obligation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
responsibility

Used to describe a general state of being in charge or having control over something or someone.

  • She takes her job's responsibilities very seriously.
  • It's your responsibility to ensure that the project is completed on time.
accountability

Emphasizes the expectation of being held answerable or liable for one's actions and decisions.

  • The CEO must take accountability for the company's failures.
  • Accountability is crucial in any leadership role.
obligation

Refers to a binding commitment or requirement to do something, often by law or moral principles.

  • You have an obligation to pay your taxes.
  • In many cultures, there is an obligation to care for elderly parents.
duty

Often implies a moral or legal obligation to perform certain tasks or functions.

  • It is a soldier's duty to protect their country.
  • As a parent, you have the duty to care for your children.

Examples of usage

  • He had sole responsibility for the company's dealings.
  • She takes responsibility for overseeing the project.
Context #2 | Noun

social

The state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something.

Synonyms

accountability, blame, culpability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
responsibility

This is used when talking about duties or tasks that someone is supposed to manage or take care of. It implies a sense of ownership and commitment to an assigned role or task.

  • It is my responsibility to make sure the project is completed on time.
  • Parents have a responsibility to care for their children.
culpability

This is a formal term often used in legal or serious contexts to indicate that someone is guilty or responsible for a negative outcome or wrongdoing. It also has a negative connotation.

  • The court found the company culpable for the environmental damage.
  • His culpability in the fraud case was undeniable.
blame

This word is used when assigning fault or saying someone is guilty of a wrongdoing or mistake. It often carries a negative connotation of judgment or criticism.

  • She blamed him for the accident.
  • There's no need to assign blame; let's just solve the problem.
accountability

This is often used in contexts where a person is required to report, explain, or justify their actions or decisions. It implies an expectation of answerability and often involves transparency.

  • In any job, accountability is crucial for maintaining trust with clients.
  • The manager is held accountable for the team's performance.

Examples of usage

  • The government must take responsibility for the current situation.
  • We all need to take responsibility for our actions.
Context #3 | Noun

legal

The state or fact of being legally accountable for something.

Synonyms

answerability, legal obligation, liability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
responsibility

Used in general contexts to describe a duty or task that someone is required to do. It often implies a moral, social, or practical obligation.

  • It's your responsibility to take out the trash.
  • She took on the responsibility of leading the team.
liability

Often used in legal and financial contexts to describe being responsible for something, especially in terms of financial debt or legal consequences. It has a more negative connotation.

  • The company has a liability for any damages caused by its products.
  • He faced personal liability for the accident.
answerability

Typically used in formal or legal contexts, to describe the need to explain or justify one's actions to someone in authority.

  • The CEO's answerability to the board of directors ensures company accountability.
  • In a democratic government, officials have answerability to the public.
legal obligation

Used specifically in legal contexts to describe duties or requirements that are enforceable by law.

  • Paying taxes on time is a legal obligation.
  • Signing a contract creates a legal obligation to fulfill its terms.

Examples of usage

  • He denied responsibility for the theft.
  • The company accepts full responsibility for the error.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word has roots in the Latin term 'responsabilis,' meaning 'able to respond' or 'answerable.'
  • The prefix 're-' suggests working again or returning, indicating the ongoing nature of duties and obligations.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that individuals who take personal responsibility tend to experience higher levels of self-esteem and motivation.
  • A sense of responsibility can significantly influence decision-making and behavior in social situations.

Education

  • Teaching responsibility in classrooms encourages students to develop accountability for their learning and actions.
  • Projects involving group work often emphasize shared responsibility, fostering cooperation and teamwork skills.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray characters who learn the importance of responsibility, leading to personal growth and maturity.
  • The phrase 'with great power comes great responsibility' from Spider-Man highlights a popular cultural understanding of duty and accountability.

Workplace

  • In the professional world, effective leaders are recognized for their ability to delegate responsibilities while maintaining accountability.
  • Employers often prioritize candidates who demonstrate a strong sense of personal responsibility over those with merely technical skills.

Translations

Translations of the word "responsibility" in other languages:

🇵🇹 responsabilidade

🇮🇳 जिम्मेदारी

🇩🇪 Verantwortung

🇮🇩 tanggung jawab

🇺🇦 відповідальність

🇵🇱 odpowiedzialność

🇯🇵 責任 (せきにん)

🇫🇷 responsabilité

🇪🇸 responsabilidad

🇹🇷 sorumluluk

🇰🇷 책임 (chaegim)

🇸🇦 مسؤولية

🇨🇿 odpovědnost

🇸🇰 zodpovednosť

🇨🇳 责任 (zérèn)

🇸🇮 odgovornost

🇮🇸 ábyrgð

🇰🇿 жауапкершілік

🇬🇪 პასუხისმგებლობა

🇦🇿 məsuliyyət

🇲🇽 responsabilidad

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,122, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.