Responsibility

Definition

Responsibility is a noun that refers to the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or being accountable for one's actions. It can also mean a task or obligation that one is expected to fulfill.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˌspɒn.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/
• Respelling: ri-spon-suh-BIL-uh-tee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˌspɒn.sɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/
• Respelling: ri-spon-si-BIL-i-tee

Etymology

The word "responsibility" originates from the Latin "responsus," the past participle of "respondere," meaning "to respond." The term gained its current meaning in the 17th century, influenced by the French "responsabilité."

Derivatives

• Responsible (adjective)
• Irresponsibility (noun)
• Responsibly (adverb)
• Responsiveness (noun)
• Unresponsibility (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• Accountability
• Obligation
• Duty

Antonyms

• Irresponsibility
• Neglect
• Freedom (from obligation)

Usage

The term "responsibility" is commonly used in personal, professional, and societal contexts. Examples include "Parents have a responsibility to care for their children" and "The team leader took full responsibility for the mistake."

Related Terms

• Obligation: A duty or commitment.
• Accountability: The state of being answerable for actions or decisions.
• Reliability: The quality of being dependable.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something: Refers to obligations or tasks that must be managed.
  • Example: "It is your responsibility to complete the assignment."
• Accountability for one’s actions: Refers to being answerable for decisions or behavior.
  • Example: "She accepted responsibility for the project's failure."
• A task or duty that one is expected to perform: Refers to specific roles or obligations assigned to a person.
  • Example: "Managing the budget is one of his key responsibilities."