Meaning
A large or serious duty or obligation.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'heavy responsibility' is often linked to the 'American Dream' and the idea that hard work leads to success. In the UK, it is often used in formal settings like the Civil Service or Parliament to denote public duty. In Japan, the concept of 'sekinin' (responsibility) is deeply tied to group harmony and social expectations. German culture values 'Verantwortung' (responsibility) as a core ethical pillar of professional life.
Use it in interviews
Employers love hearing that you understand the 'heavy responsibility' of a role. It shows maturity.
Don't overdo it
If you use this phrase for everything, you will sound like you are complaining or being overly dramatic.
Meaning
A large or serious duty or obligation.
Use it in interviews
Employers love hearing that you understand the 'heavy responsibility' of a role. It shows maturity.
Don't overdo it
If you use this phrase for everything, you will sound like you are complaining or being overly dramatic.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Being a surgeon is a __________.
While others are similar, 'heavy responsibility' is the standard collocation.
Which sentence is more appropriate?
a) Washing dishes is a heavy responsibility. b) Leading a country is a heavy responsibility.
The phrase is for serious, high-stakes situations, not chores.
Match the word to its synonym.
Heavy responsibility -> ?
A heavy responsibility is a serious duty.
Complete the dialogue.
Boss: 'I need you to manage the team.' Employee: 'I understand it is a __________.'
The employee is acknowledging the seriousness of the new role.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBeing a surgeon is a __________.
While others are similar, 'heavy responsibility' is the standard collocation.
a) Washing dishes is a heavy responsibility. b) Leading a country is a heavy responsibility.
The phrase is for serious, high-stakes situations, not chores.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A heavy responsibility is a serious duty.
Boss: 'I need you to manage the team.' Employee: 'I understand it is a __________.'
The employee is acknowledging the seriousness of the new role.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'heavy responsibility' is more common for abstract roles.
No, it just means serious. It can be a positive, rewarding challenge.
Yes, 'Being a student leader is a heavy responsibility.'
Heavy responsibilities.
It is neutral to formal. Avoid in very casual slang.
Yes, but 'enormous' or 'great' are stronger adjectives.
Because it feels like a physical weight on your mind.
Yes, often in dramatic scenes about leadership.
Yes, 'Taking care of a dog is a heavy responsibility.'
Yes, but 'burden' is more negative.
Related Phrases
Great responsibility
synonymA very important duty.
Burden of duty
similarThe weight of an obligation.
Take on
builds onTo accept a task.
Accountable for
similarBeing responsible for results.
