WordGarden.ioresponsibility
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪspˌɒnsəbˈɪlɪti/
US
- /riˌspɑnsəˈbɪləti/
Meanings
Noun
a duty or task that a person is expected to handle
accountability for an action, decision, or outcome
the quality of being reliable and acting with proper care
More meaningsFewer meanings
legal liability or formal duty for something
Beyond the definition
Responsibility isn't just about chores your parents ask you to do—it's much bigger than that! It means having a duty to deal with something or to care for someone. A parent has a responsibility to care for their child, and a citizen has a responsibility to obey the law. It can also be given to you—like when your teacher asks you to collect homework. Sometimes it feels heavy, like a backpack full of bricks, but taking responsibility shows you're trustworthy and capable. Think of a captain steering a ship—they have great responsibility for the safety of everyone on board!
Responsibility is a broad idea that includes duty, obligation, and accountability. It means being answerable for something that is in your care or under your control. This can range from simple everyday tasks to important moral or legal duties.
At its core, responsibility means recognizing that your actions have consequences—both for yourself and others. A child might have the responsibility of feeding a pet, understanding they must provide food and water consistently. An employee has a responsibility to complete their work diligently, knowing it impacts the company's success. A doctor has a profound responsibility to care for their patients with skill and compassion.
Responsibility isn't always assigned; you can also take it on voluntarily. Volunteering at a soup kitchen demonstrates personal responsibility towards your community.
The word often appears in phrases like "sense of responsibility," indicating a strong awareness of one's duties, or "take responsibility," meaning to accept the consequences of one's actions. It can even be legal—holding someone legally responsible for damages they caused.
Sometimes, we talk about "shifting responsibility," where blame is passed onto another person. But true responsibility means owning your part, learning from mistakes, and acting with integrity. It's a cornerstone of trust, maturity, and a well-functioning society. So whether it's caring for a pet, fulfilling a work commitment, or simply being a good citizen—responsibility shapes who we are and how we interact with the world around us.
Examples
- 1
Childcare
Looking after a child is a big responsibility.
- 2
Daily duties
After the baby was born, her daily responsibilities changed completely.
- 3
Personal duty
It's your responsibility to lock the door at night.
- 4
Workplace role
At work, she has responsibility for hiring new staff.
- Patternresponsibility for + task/area
being in charge of it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Job role
The new job comes with a lot of responsibility.
- 6
Accepting blame
He refused to take responsibility for the mistake.
- Patterntake responsibility for + problem/mistake
accept that you should deal with it
- 7
Family duty
Parents have a responsibility to their children to listen to them.
- Patternresponsibility to + person/group
duty toward that person or group
- 8
Character trait
She has a strong sense of responsibility and always finishes what she starts.
- 9
Difficult decision
I don't want the responsibility of making the final decision.
- 10
Freedom
With more freedom comes more responsibility.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- take responsibility
- bear responsibility
- responsibility for
- sense of responsibility
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- responsibilitynoun
Forms
- responsibilitiespluralnoun