Word
irresponsibility
Phoneticsir·re·spon·si·bil·i·ty, stress on the fifth syllable
US/ˌɪɹəˌspɑnsəˈbɪɫəti/
UK/ɪɹɪspˌɒnsəbˈɪlɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. not doing what you should do, and not thinking about the results. You show it when you forget important tasks or take risks you could avoid.
n. failure to fulfil duties or to consider the consequences of one's actions. Often contrasted with responsibility and implies blameworthy neglect rather than mere inability.
Examples
“His irresponsibility causes problems for the whole team.”
“The manager warned him that continued irresponsibility with deadlines would cost him the promotion.”
“The report blamed the accident not on bad luck but on years of managerial irresponsibility that left safety checks undone.”
Examples
simple
“His irresponsibility causes problems for the whole team.”
contextual
“The manager warned him that continued irresponsibility with deadlines would cost him the promotion.”
complex
“The report blamed the accident not on bad luck but on years of managerial irresponsibility that left safety checks undone.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “irresponsibility” in context.
Verb
01. accuse of irresponsibility
“The opposition accused the minister of irresponsibility over the crisis.”
verb + prep + noun
02. blame for irresponsibility
“Parents were blamed for irresponsibility after the accident.”
verb + prep + noun
03. condemn irresponsibility
“The report condemned the irresponsibility of the safety managers.”
verb + noun
04. criticize for irresponsibility
“The bank was widely criticized for irresponsibility in lending.”
verb + prep + noun
05. excuse irresponsibility
“Being tired does not excuse irresponsibility at work.”
verb + noun
Noun
06. act of irresponsibility
“Skipping the safety check was an act of irresponsibility.”
noun + prep + noun
07. degree of irresponsibility
“The degree of irresponsibility in the decision is alarming.”
noun + prep + noun
08. example of irresponsibility
“Not wearing a helmet is a clear example of irresponsibility.”
noun + prep + noun
09. a shocking act of irresponsibility
“Leaving the gate open was a shocking act of irresponsibility.”
10. accuse them of gross irresponsibility
“The public accused them of gross irresponsibility after the oil spill.”
11. apologize for his irresponsibility
“He finally apologized for his irresponsibility during the trip.”
12. condemn his financial irresponsibility
“The court condemned his financial irresponsibility with public money.”
Real-World Examples
“According to KCNA, Kim, who was present at the ceremony, blamed military officials, scientists and shipyard operators for a “serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism.” Etymology
From ir- + responsibility or irresponsible + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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