What does "responsibility" mean?
The state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable.
Responsibility
/ɹɪˌspɒn.səˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable.
- Grammar: responsibility is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: duty, obligation, responsibleness, remit.
- Useful contrasts: alibis, blaming, carelessness.
- Usage evidence: You have a responsibility to explain that behavior to me.
How to use "responsibility"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "responsibility" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "responsibility" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "responsibility" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "responsibility" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "responsibility" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "duty" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "responsibility", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable. countable, uncountable
"Responsibility is a heavy burden."
- 2 the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force wordnet
- 3 The state of being liable, culpable, or responsible for something in particular. countable, uncountable
"After all, it is undeniable that the B.R. standard coach scored highly in comparative trials with other European railway vehicles on the Continent a few years ago, so that B.R. civil engineers must share responsibility for any defects in its behaviour over here."
- 4 a form of trustworthiness; the trait of being answerable to someone for something or being responsible for one's conduct wordnet
- 5 A duty, obligation or liability for which someone is held accountable. countable, uncountable
"Why didn't you clean the house? That was your responsibility!"
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 the proper sphere or extent of your activities wordnet
- 7 A duty, obligation or liability for which someone is held accountable.; The obligation to carry forward an assigned task to a successful conclusion. countable, uncountable
- 8 A duty, obligation or liability for which someone is held accountable.; The obligation for the proper custody, care, and safekeeping of property or funds entrusted to someone’s possession or supervision. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"You have a responsibility to explain that behavior to me."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "responsibility"?
Common synonyms include: duty, obligation, responsibleness, remit, accept responsibility, accountability.
How do you use "responsibility" in a sentence?
You have a responsibility to explain that behavior to me.
How do you pronounce "responsibility"?
Pronounced /ɹɪˌspɒn.səˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/.
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.