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duty

n.
US //ˈdjuti// UK //djˈuːti// du·ty
  1. 1 responsibility (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    something that you must do because it is morally right or legally required.

    a moral or legal obligation; a task that one is bound to perform by virtue of their position or conscience.

    Example

    It is our duty to help people who are in trouble.

    Example

    The judge reminded the jurors that it was their civic duty to remain impartial throughout the trial, regardless of personal biases.
  2. 2 at work (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the time when you are at work and doing your job.

    the state of being engaged in professional service or assigned tasks.

    Example

    The police officer was on duty when the accident happened.

    Example

    Medical residents are often required to remain on duty for twenty-four hours, which raises concerns about fatigue and patient safety.

    Usage

    often used with the prepositions 'on' or 'off'
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  1. 3 tax (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    a tax you must pay to the government, especially on things you bring into a country.

    a tax or tariff levied by a government on specific goods, especially those imported from abroad.

    Example

    You have to pay import duty on electronics bought from other countries.

    Example

    The government increased the excise duty on tobacco products in an effort to discourage smoking and boost public health revenue.
  2. 4 engine efficiency (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Engineering

    how well an engine works compared to the fuel it uses.

    the measure of an engine's efficiency, specifically the work performed per unit of fuel consumed.

    Example

    The engineer checked the duty of the steam pump to see if it was wasting coal.

    Example

    The technical specifications detailed the duty of the pumping engine, measuring the foot-pounds of work achieved per bushel of fuel.
  3. 5 dog's business (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Humorous Informal

    a polite way to talk about a dog going to the toilet.

    a euphemistic reference to the act of animal excretion.

    Example

    I need to take the dog outside so he can do his duty.

    Example

    The neighbor complained that the owner was not cleaning up after his pet had done its duty on the shared lawn.
Origin

From Middle English duete, from Middle English dewe + Middle English -te. Equivalent to due + -ty.

Idioms2 entries

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