responsibility

responsibility

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.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɹɪˌspɒn.səˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/, enPR: rĭ-spŏn'sə-bĭlʹĭ-tē
• (US) IPA^(key): /ɹɪˌspɑn.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/, [ɹɪˌspɑn.səˈbɪl.ə.ɾi]

Noun

responsibility (countable and uncountable, plural responsibilities)

1. The state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable. [from 18th c.]

   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!

   1. The obligation to carry forward an assigned task to a successful conclusion.
   2. The obligation for the proper custody, care, and safekeeping of property or funds entrusted to someone’s possession or supervision.

Synonyms

• responsibleness (may be considered nonstandard)