duty

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

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

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

“The police officer was on duty when the accident happened.”

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

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Law

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

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

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

“The government increased the excise duty on tobacco products in an effort to discourage smoking and boost public health revenue.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Engineering Technical

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

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

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

“The technical specifications detailed the duty of the pumping engine, measuring the foot-pounds of work achieved per bushel of fuel.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Humorous · Informal

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

n. a euphemistic reference to the act of animal excretion.

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

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