Responsibility: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.