responsibility
//ɹɪˌspɒn.səˈbɪl.ɪ.ti//
Forms
- Plural
- responsibilities
Definitions
1.The state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable.
- Responsibility is a heavy burden.
2.The state of being liable, culpable, or responsible for something in particular.
3.A duty, obligation or liability for which someone is held accountable.
- Why didn't you clean the house? That was your responsibility!
- If parents, teachers, and ministers conducted their responsibilities by following the ratings, children would have a steady diet of ice cream, school holidays, and no Sunday school.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #1204
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Uncommon
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Synonyms
Etymology
From responsible + -ity.
Although the components are of French origin, the compound appears to have been formed in English.
Later-attested French responsabilité is modeled on the English word, and Italian responsabilità is in turn modeled on the French.