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responsibility

n. C / U
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ɹiˌspɑnsəˈbɪɫəti// UK //ɹɪspˌɒnsəbˈɪlɪti// re·spon·si·bil·i·ty General-service

n. a duty or task that you are expected to take care of, or the state of being in charge of something. When you have this, you must answer for the results of your actions.

n. the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or having control over someone. Frequently implies the obligation to answer for an action or its consequences.


SIMPLE

It is your responsibility to lock the door when you leave.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager took full responsibility for the shipping delay and offered the customer a complete refund.

COMPLEX

As the company expanded into international markets, the board realised that corporate social responsibility required more than just compliance with local environmental regulations.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

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.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'for' when referring to an action or outcome, or an infinitive verb ('responsibility to do something').

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