Word: Responsibility
Part of Speech: Noun
Pronunciation: rih-spon-suh-bil-uh-tee
Category: General
Responsibility Definition
Responsibility is a duty or task that you are required or expected to do. It can also refer to being accountable for something, which means if something goes wrong, you are the one to blame.
Usage Notes
Often used in the phrases 'take responsibility', 'have responsibility', and 'responsibility for'.
Example Sentences
- It's your responsibility to clean your room.
- I take full responsibility for the mistake.
- She assumed responsibility for the project.
- He has many responsibilities at work.
- You need to show more responsibility.
- They have the responsibility to ensure safety.
Synonyms (Similar Words)
Antonyms (Opposite Words)
Idioms and Phrases
- Take responsibility – To accept the blame or duty.
- Shoulder the responsibility – To accept that you are responsible for something.
- Shirk responsibility – To avoid or neglect your responsibilities.
- Bear the responsibility – To accept or admit that you are responsible for something.
- Pass the buck – To shift responsibility (and often blame) to another person.
Word Origin and History
The word 'responsibility' originates from the Latin 'responsus', which means 'to respond'. It was first used in the English language in the late 16th century.