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responsibility

B1 noun #36 most common 12 min read

responsibility

Top 36

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips responsibility in 30 Seconds

Explanation responsibility in your Level:

At the A1 level, responsibility means having a job or a task that you must do. It is like having a 'duty' at home or at school. For example, if your mother says, 'It is your responsibility to feed the dog,' it means you must give the dog food every day. It is your job. You are the person who does it. If the dog is hungry, it is because you did not do your job. At this level, we use the word for simple things. You might have the responsibility to clean your room or to bring your books to class. It is a big word, but the meaning is simple: it is something you have to do. We often use it with the verb 'to be.' For example, 'Cleaning is my responsibility.' We also use it with 'to have.' For example, 'I have the responsibility to help my sister.' It is important to learn this word because it helps you talk about your life and your chores. Even if you are just starting to learn English, you can use this word to show that you are a good student or a helpful child. Remember, responsibility is about doing what you are told to do. It is a very important part of growing up and being a part of a family or a classroom. When you do your responsibilities, people are happy with you. When you do not do them, people might be sad or angry. So, responsibility is about being a good person and doing your work.

At the A2 level, responsibility is about the tasks and duties you have in your daily life. It is not just about chores at home, but also about how you behave at school or with your friends. When you have a responsibility, people trust you to do something. For example, if you are the class monitor, you have the responsibility to help the teacher. This means you have a special job and others depend on you. You can use the word 'responsibility' to talk about things you are 'in charge of.' If you are in charge of the footballs during gym class, that is your responsibility. You also start to learn that responsibility can be about taking care of things. You have a responsibility to look after your toys or your school bag. At this level, you might use phrases like 'take responsibility' or 'my responsibility.' For example, 'I take responsibility for my homework.' This means you know it is your job to finish it. You also learn that if something goes wrong, you might have to say it was your responsibility. If you break a window while playing, you should take responsibility and tell the truth. This shows that you are becoming more mature. Responsibility is a key word for talking about your roles in different groups, like your family, your class, or your sports team. It helps you explain what you do and why you do it. It is a word that shows you are reliable and that people can count on you.

At the B1 level, responsibility becomes a more complex concept that involves both duties and accountability. It is a central word for describing your role in professional and social settings. You are expected to understand that having responsibility means you are the person who will be praised if things go well and blamed if things go wrong. In a workplace context, you might talk about your 'core responsibilities,' which are the main tasks you do every day. For example, 'One of my responsibilities is to answer customer emails.' You also learn to use the word with a variety of verbs and prepositions. You can 'assume responsibility' for a new project, 'delegate responsibility' to a colleague, or 'accept responsibility' for a mistake. The preposition 'for' is very important here: you are responsible *for* a task or *for* a person. You also start to see the word used in more abstract ways, such as 'social responsibility' or 'personal responsibility.' This means thinking about how your actions affect other people and the world around you. At the B1 level, you should be able to discuss the responsibilities you have in your life and how you manage them. You might talk about the 'weight of responsibility' if you have a very important job. This word is essential for job interviews and professional communication, as it allows you to demonstrate your reliability and your understanding of your role. It is also a key word for discussing ethical issues and personal values, helping you express what you believe is important and how you choose to act.

At the B2 level, responsibility is understood as a fundamental element of leadership, ethics, and professional life. You should be able to use the word with nuance, distinguishing between different types of responsibility, such as legal, moral, and professional. In a business context, you will encounter terms like 'Corporate Social Responsibility' (CSR), which refers to a company's obligation to act in a way that benefits society and the environment. You should be able to discuss the implications of these responsibilities and how they influence decision-making. At this level, you also learn to use the word in more sophisticated grammatical structures. For example, you might talk about 'bearing the responsibility' for a difficult decision or 'shirking one's responsibilities' when someone avoids their duties. You will also see the word used in the context of 'accountability,' where you are not just responsible for doing a task, but also for explaining the results to others. This is a key concept in management and governance. You should be able to debate the extent of individual versus collective responsibility in society. For instance, is the government responsible for the health of its citizens, or is it a personal responsibility? Being able to use 'responsibility' and its related forms (like 'responsible,' 'responsibly,' and 'irresponsible') accurately and fluently is a sign of a strong B2 learner. You can use it to build complex arguments, describe professional roles in detail, and engage in deep conversations about ethics and society. It is a word that carries significant weight and requires a clear understanding of its social and professional connotations.

At the C1 level, your understanding of responsibility should be deep and multifaceted, encompassing philosophical, legal, and systemic perspectives. You should be able to use the word to discuss complex issues of agency and causality. In academic and professional discourse, responsibility is often linked to the concept of 'moral agency'—the capacity of an individual to make ethical decisions and be held accountable for them. You might explore the 'diffusion of responsibility' in social psychology, where individuals are less likely to take action in a large group because they assume someone else will. This level of usage requires a high degree of precision. You should be able to distinguish between 'retrospective responsibility' (being accountable for past actions) and 'prospective responsibility' (having duties for future actions). In legal contexts, you will encounter the term in discussions of 'strict liability' or 'vicarious responsibility,' where one party is held responsible for the actions of another. You should also be comfortable using the word in idiomatic and metaphorical ways, such as 'the mantle of responsibility' or 'a heavy burden of responsibility.' At C1, you can use the word to critique societal structures, such as the responsibility of the media in a democracy or the responsibility of developed nations toward the global climate. Your ability to navigate the nuances of this word—understanding when it implies blame, when it implies duty, and when it implies power—is a hallmark of advanced proficiency. You should be able to write sophisticated essays and give persuasive presentations that center on the theme of responsibility, using it to weave together arguments about ethics, law, and human behavior with clarity and authority.

At the C2 level, the word responsibility is used with complete mastery, allowing for the exploration of its most profound philosophical and existential dimensions. You can engage with the concept as it appears in the works of philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre, who argued that humans are 'condemned to be free' and therefore carry total responsibility for their lives and the world. At this level, you can use the word to dissect the intricacies of international law, such as the 'Responsibility to Protect' (R2P) doctrine, which outlines the international community's obligation to prevent genocide and war crimes. Your usage should reflect an awareness of the subtle shifts in meaning that occur in different registers, from the highly formal language of treaties and judicial opinions to the nuanced rhetoric of political speeches and literary works. You should be able to use 'responsibility' to discuss the 'onus of proof' in complex litigation or the 'ethical responsibility' of scientists in the age of artificial intelligence. The word becomes a tool for analyzing the very fabric of human existence and social organization. You can use it to explore the tension between individual autonomy and systemic constraints, questioning where personal responsibility ends and societal responsibility begins. Your command of the word's collocations, synonyms, and antonyms should be absolute, allowing you to choose the perfect term to express the exact degree of accountability or duty you wish to convey. At C2, 'responsibility' is not just a word you use; it is a concept you can deconstruct, reconstruct, and apply to the most challenging intellectual and ethical problems of our time, demonstrating a level of fluency that is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

responsibility in 30 Seconds

Responsibility is the duty to handle tasks and be accountable for the results.
It is a key concept in personal growth, professional roles, and legal frameworks.
Common verbs used with it include take, accept, delegate, and assume.
It can be both an abstract moral duty and a specific list of tasks.

The term responsibility is a multifaceted noun that sits at the heart of social, professional, and personal life. At its core, it describes the state of being accountable for something or having a duty to perform a specific task. When you have responsibility, you are the person others look to for results. It is not just about doing a job; it is about owning the outcome of that job. In a professional environment, responsibility is often defined by a job description, outlining the specific areas where an employee is expected to exercise control and make decisions. However, the word also carries a deeper, moral weight. It refers to the internal drive to do what is right and the willingness to accept the consequences of one's actions, whether they lead to success or failure. People use this word to describe the burdens they carry, the roles they play in their families, and the obligations they have toward their communities. It is a hallmark of maturity; as children grow, they are given more responsibility to prepare them for the complexities of adulthood. In legal and ethical discussions, responsibility is the basis for determining who is at fault or who should be praised. It is the invisible thread that connects individual actions to societal stability.

Core Concept: The obligation to act and the accountability for the results of those actions.
Professional Context: The specific duties assigned to a role, such as managing a budget or leading a team.
Personal Context: The moral duty to care for oneself, family members, and the environment.

With great power comes great responsibility.

Furthermore, responsibility can be shared or individual. In a team project, everyone might share the responsibility for the final product, but specific individuals may have the responsibility for certain components. This distinction is crucial in management and leadership. When responsibility is unclear, tasks often fall through the cracks, leading to the common phrase 'diffusion of responsibility,' where no one feels obligated to act because they assume someone else will. Understanding the nuances of this word helps in navigating complex social hierarchies and building trust. If you consistently fulfill your responsibilities, you build a reputation for reliability. If you shirk them, you lose the trust of those around you. The word is also used to describe the cause of something, often in a negative sense, such as 'taking responsibility for an accident.' In this way, it bridges the gap between past actions and future expectations. It is a word that demands action and reflection simultaneously.

The CEO accepted full responsibility for the company's financial losses.

It is our responsibility to protect the environment for future generations.

She has the responsibility of managing the entire marketing department.

Parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their children attend school.

Using the word responsibility correctly requires an understanding of its common collocations and grammatical structures. Most frequently, it is used with verbs like 'take,' 'accept,' 'assume,' 'delegate,' and 'shirk.' When you 'take responsibility,' you are voluntarily stepping up to handle a situation or admitting fault. For example, 'I take responsibility for the mistake.' When you 'delegate responsibility,' you are passing a task or authority to someone else, which is a key skill in leadership. On the other hand, 'shirking responsibility' means avoiding your duties, which usually carries a negative connotation. The word is often followed by the preposition 'for' when referring to the object of the duty (e.g., responsibility for the project) or 'to' when referring to the person or entity you are accountable to (e.g., responsibility to the board of directors). It can also be followed by an infinitive verb, such as 'the responsibility to protect' or 'the responsibility to inform.'

Verb + Responsibility: Common pairings include: take, accept, assume, bear, carry, delegate, fulfill, and shirk.
Adjective + Responsibility: Common descriptors: heavy, ultimate, primary, collective, personal, social, and financial.
Prepositional Phrases: 'Responsibility for [something]', 'Responsibility to [someone]', 'In a position of responsibility'.

The manager decided to delegate more responsibility to her assistant to help him grow.

In more formal or academic writing, responsibility is often discussed in terms of 'corporate social responsibility' (CSR) or 'moral responsibility.' These phrases refer to the obligations of large organizations or individuals to act in ways that benefit society at large. In these contexts, the word is treated as a serious, weighty concept. In everyday conversation, however, it can be used more lightly, such as 'It's your responsibility to wash the dishes tonight.' Regardless of the context, the word always implies a link between an individual and a specific set of expectations. It is also important to note that 'responsibility' is an uncountable noun when referring to the general state of being responsible, but it can be countable when referring to specific duties (e.g., 'He has many responsibilities at work'). This flexibility allows it to be used in a wide variety of sentence structures, from simple statements of fact to complex ethical arguments.

Bearing the responsibility of leadership can be incredibly stressful during a crisis.

The pilot has the ultimate responsibility for the safety of the passengers.

You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.

The government must accept responsibility for the failure of the new policy.

The word responsibility is ubiquitous, appearing in almost every facet of public and private life. In the workplace, you will hear it during job interviews, performance reviews, and team meetings. Hiring managers often ask candidates to describe a time they 'took on extra responsibility,' looking for evidence of leadership and initiative. During performance reviews, employees are evaluated on how well they have fulfilled their 'core responsibilities.' In the news, the word is frequently used in the context of political and corporate accountability. You might hear a news anchor say that a politician 'refuses to take responsibility' for a controversial decision, or that a corporation is being held 'legally responsible' for an environmental disaster. This public use of the word often highlights the tension between power and accountability, emphasizing that those in high positions must answer for their actions.

In the Office: 'Who has the responsibility for updating the client list this week?'
In the News: 'The rebel group has claimed responsibility for the recent attacks in the capital.'
At Home: 'It's your responsibility to make sure your homework is finished before dinner.'

The police are investigating who had responsibility for the safety protocols at the event.

In educational settings, teachers talk to students about the 'responsibility of learning,' encouraging them to take ownership of their studies. In sports, coaches emphasize 'team responsibility,' where every player must perform their role for the team to succeed. You will also find the word in legal documents, contracts, and insurance policies, where it defines 'liability'—the legal responsibility for costs or damages. Even in popular culture, the theme of responsibility is a common trope in movies and literature, often centered around a hero who must accept a heavy burden to save others. From the courtroom to the classroom, from the boardroom to the living room, the word 'responsibility' serves as a constant reminder of our duties to ourselves and to each other. It is a word that defines our roles and our relationships in the world.

The student council took on the responsibility of organizing the annual charity drive.

In his speech, the President emphasized the responsibility of every citizen to vote.

The contract clearly states that the tenant has responsibility for minor repairs.

The doctor explained the patient's responsibility in following the post-surgery care plan.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with responsibility is confusing the noun form with the adjective 'responsible.' It is common to hear errors like 'I have the responsible for this,' which should be 'I have the responsibility for this' or 'I am responsible for this.' Another common issue involves the choice of prepositions. While 'responsibility for' is the standard way to link the duty to its object, learners sometimes use 'of' incorrectly, as in 'my responsibility of the project.' While 'responsibility of' can be used when referring to the person who holds the duty (e.g., 'the responsibility of the manager'), it is less common when describing the task itself. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the distinction between 'responsibility' and 'duty' or 'accountability.' While they are related, 'responsibility' is broader and often implies a sense of ownership, whereas 'duty' can feel more like a forced obligation, and 'accountability' specifically refers to the expectation of explaining one's actions after the fact.

Confusing Noun and Adjective: Incorrect: 'He is a very responsibility person.' Correct: 'He is a very responsible person.'
Preposition Errors: Incorrect: 'I take responsibility about the error.' Correct: 'I take responsibility for the error.'
Singular vs. Plural: Incorrect: 'I have many responsibility.' Correct: 'I have many responsibilities.'

It is not my responsibility to fix your mistakes (Correct usage of the noun).

Additionally, some learners use the word 'responsibility' when they actually mean 'blame.' While taking responsibility can involve admitting blame, they are not synonyms. Responsibility is about the duty and the role, whereas blame is specifically about the fault. For example, you can have the responsibility for a project that fails without being the sole person to blame for the failure. Another subtle mistake is using 'responsibility' in contexts where 'authority' would be more appropriate. Authority is the power to make decisions, while responsibility is the obligation to ensure those decisions lead to the right results. You can have responsibility without authority, which is often a source of frustration in the workplace. Understanding these distinctions is key to using the word with precision and clarity in both spoken and written English.

I am responsible for the team (Adjective usage).

The responsibility lies with the board (Noun usage).

Who has responsibility for this? (Correct preposition).

She took on the responsibility of caring for her elderly parents.

While responsibility is a very versatile word, there are several synonyms and related terms that can provide more specific meaning depending on the context. 'Duty' is perhaps the closest synonym, but it often implies a moral or legal obligation that is more rigid and less voluntary than responsibility. For example, a soldier has a 'duty' to follow orders. 'Obligation' is another similar word, often used when someone is required to do something because of a law, rule, or promise. 'Accountability' is a more technical term, frequently used in business and government to describe the requirement to justify one's actions or decisions to others. It focuses on the 'answering' part of responsibility. 'Liability' is a legal term specifically referring to the responsibility for paying for damages or debts. 'Task' or 'chore' can be used for smaller, more routine responsibilities, while 'burden' or 'onus' can be used when the responsibility feels particularly heavy or difficult.

Responsibility vs. Duty: Responsibility is often broader and more personal; duty is often more formal and externally imposed.
Responsibility vs. Accountability: Responsibility is the obligation to act; accountability is the obligation to explain the results of those actions.
Responsibility vs. Liability: Responsibility is a general term; liability is a specific legal term regarding debt or damage.

The onus is on the prosecution to prove the defendant's guilt.

In some contexts, you might use 'charge' (as in 'He is in charge of the department') or 'oversight' (as in 'She has oversight of the project'). If you want to emphasize the power that comes with responsibility, you might use 'authority' or 'control.' If you want to emphasize the negative side, you might use 'blame' or 'fault.' Choosing the right word can help you express your meaning more precisely. For instance, saying 'I have the responsibility to help' sounds more noble than 'I have the duty to help,' which can sound like you are doing it only because you have to. Conversely, 'It is your accountability' sounds more formal and serious than 'It is your responsibility.' By understanding these alternatives, you can tailor your language to fit the specific tone and context of your communication, whether you are writing a formal report or having a casual conversation with a friend.

Fulfilling your obligations is a key part of being a reliable employee.

The accountability of public officials is essential for a healthy democracy.

It is my duty to inform you of the risks involved in this procedure.

The company accepted liability for the defective products.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'responsibility' is relatively young in English, only becoming common during the late 1700s, around the time of the American and French Revolutions, when ideas about individual rights and duties were being redefined.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/

US /rɪˌspɑːnsəˈbɪləti/

re-spon-si-BIL-i-ty

Rhymes With

possibility capability flexibility visibility stability reliability probability vulnerability

Common Errors

Putting the stress on the second syllable (re-SPON-si-bi-li-ty).
Mispronouncing the 'i' sounds as 'ee'.
Skipping the third syllable 'si'.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'responsible'.
Difficulty with the 'bility' suffix rhythm.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is long but common in most texts.

Writing 4/5

Spelling the 'i' and 'y' correctly can be tricky.

Speaking 4/5

The six-syllable rhythm requires practice to say fluently.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognized due to its distinct suffix '-bility'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

job duty help care work

Learn Next

accountability obligation liability authority commitment

Advanced

agency culpability stewardship mandate onus

Grammar to Know

Noun vs. Adjective

Responsibility (noun) vs. Responsible (adjective). 'It is my responsibility' vs 'I am responsible'.

Preposition 'For'

Always use 'for' after responsibility when naming the task. 'Responsibility for the budget'.

Preposition 'To'

Use 'to' when naming the person you answer to. 'Responsibility to the manager'.

Infinitive use

Responsibility + to + verb. 'The responsibility to inform the public'.

Pluralization

Use 'responsibilities' for a list of tasks. 'My responsibilities include typing and filing'.

Examples by Level

It is my responsibility to wash the dishes.

C'est ma responsabilité de faire la vaisselle.

Using 'it is my responsibility to' + verb.

Is it your responsibility to feed the cat?

Est-ce ta responsabilité de nourrir le chat ?

Question form with 'is it your responsibility'.

Cleaning the classroom is our responsibility.

Nettoyer la salle de classe est notre responsabilité.

Gerund 'cleaning' as the subject.

I have the responsibility to be quiet in the library.

J'ai la responsabilité d'être calme à la bibliothèque.

Using 'have the responsibility to'.

The teacher gave me the responsibility of holding the door.

Le professeur m'a donné la responsabilité de tenir la porte.

Using 'give someone the responsibility of' + gerund.

It's not my responsibility to do your homework.

Ce n'est pas ma responsabilité de faire tes devoirs.

Negative form 'it's not my responsibility'.

He has a big responsibility at home.

Il a une grande responsabilité à la maison.

Using 'have a' + adjective + 'responsibility'.

We all share the responsibility for the park.

Nous partageons tous la responsabilité du parc.

Using 'share the responsibility for'.

She took responsibility for the broken vase.

Elle a pris la responsabilité du vase cassé.

Past tense 'took responsibility for'.

The captain has the responsibility to lead the team.

Le capitaine a la responsabilité de diriger l'équipe.

Noun + 'to' + infinitive.

It is a heavy responsibility to look after a pet.

C'est une lourde responsabilité de s'occuper d'un animal.

Adjective 'heavy' modifying responsibility.

You need to show more responsibility in your studies.

Tu dois faire preuve de plus de responsabilité dans tes études.

Using 'show' with responsibility.

Who has responsibility for the keys?

Qui a la responsabilité des clés ?

Question about possession of responsibility.

My main responsibility is to help customers.

Ma principale responsabilité est d'aider les clients.

Adjective 'main' modifying responsibility.

He doesn't want any responsibility at work.

Il ne veut aucune responsabilité au travail.

Using 'any' in a negative sentence.

Taking responsibility makes you a better person.

Prendre ses responsabilités fait de vous une meilleure personne.

Gerund phrase as the subject.

The manager delegated the responsibility for the project to Sarah.

Le manager a délégué la responsabilité du projet à Sarah.

Using the verb 'delegate'.

He accepted full responsibility for the failure of the event.

Il a accepté l'entière responsabilité de l'échec de l'événement.

Using 'accept full responsibility for'.

It is the government's responsibility to provide healthcare.

Il est de la responsabilité du gouvernement de fournir des soins de santé.

Possessive 'government's' with responsibility.

She felt a sense of responsibility toward her younger brothers.

Elle ressentait un sentiment de responsabilité envers ses jeunes frères.

The phrase 'a sense of responsibility'.

The pilot has the ultimate responsibility for the safety of the flight.

Le pilote a la responsabilité ultime de la sécurité du vol.

Adjective 'ultimate' modifying responsibility.

You should not shirk your responsibilities as a citizen.

Tu ne devrais pas te dérober à tes responsabilités de citoyen.

Using the verb 'shirk'.

In my new job, I have a lot of financial responsibility.

Dans mon nouveau travail, j'ai beaucoup de responsabilité financière.

Adjective 'financial' modifying responsibility.

The company takes its environmental responsibility very seriously.

L'entreprise prend sa responsabilité environnementale très au sérieux.

Using 'take... seriously'.

Corporate social responsibility is becoming a priority for many firms.

La responsabilité sociale des entreprises devient une priorité pour de nombreuses firmes.

The term 'Corporate Social Responsibility' (CSR).

The board of directors bears the ultimate responsibility for the company's strategy.

Le conseil d'administration porte la responsabilité ultime de la stratégie de l'entreprise.

Using the verb 'bear'.

He was held in a position of great responsibility during the crisis.

Il occupait un poste de grande responsabilité pendant la crise.

The phrase 'in a position of responsibility'.

The defendant denied any responsibility for the damage caused.

Le défendeur a nié toute responsabilité pour les dommages causés.

Using 'deny responsibility for'.

Parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their children receive an education.

Les parents ont la responsabilité légale de veiller à ce que leurs enfants reçoivent une éducation.

Adjective 'legal' modifying responsibility.

The shift in responsibility from the state to the individual is a controversial topic.

Le transfert de responsabilité de l'État vers l'individu est un sujet controversé.

Using 'shift in responsibility from... to...'.

She was praised for her willingness to assume responsibility in difficult times.

Elle a été félicitée pour sa volonté d'assumer ses responsabilités dans les moments difficiles.

Using 'assume responsibility'.

There is a collective responsibility to protect the world's oceans.

Il existe une responsabilité collective de protéger les océans du monde.

Adjective 'collective' modifying responsibility.

The diffusion of responsibility often leads to inaction in emergency situations.

La dilution de la responsabilité mène souvent à l'inaction dans les situations d'urgence.

The psychological term 'diffusion of responsibility'.

He argued that the onus of responsibility lies with the individual, not society.

Il a soutenu que la charge de la responsabilité incombe à l'individu, et non à la société.

Using 'onus of responsibility'.

The treaty outlines the responsibility of each nation to reduce carbon emissions.

Le traité souligne la responsabilité de chaque nation de réduire les émissions de carbone.

Formal usage in a diplomatic context.

She felt the heavy mantle of responsibility as she took over the family business.

Elle a senti le lourd manteau de la responsabilité en reprenant l'entreprise familiale.

Metaphorical 'mantle of responsibility'.

The journalist's primary responsibility is to report the truth without bias.

La responsabilité première du journaliste est de rapporter la vérité sans parti pris.

Using 'primary responsibility' in an ethical context.

The court must determine the extent of the company's vicarious responsibility.

Le tribunal doit déterminer l'étendue de la responsabilité du fait d'autrui de l'entreprise.

Legal term 'vicarious responsibility'.

The existentialist view emphasizes our absolute responsibility for our own choices.

La vision existentialiste met l'accent sur notre responsabilité absolue pour nos propres choix.

Philosophical usage of 'absolute responsibility'.

There is an inherent responsibility that comes with being a public figure.

Il y a une responsabilité inhérente qui accompagne le fait d'être une personnalité publique.

Adjective 'inherent' modifying responsibility.

The doctrine of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) has reshaped international relations.

La doctrine de la Responsabilité de Protéger (R2P) a remodelé les relations internationales.

Highly specialized political/legal term.

Sartre's philosophy posits that we are entirely responsible for the meaning of our existence.

La philosophie de Sartre pose que nous sommes entièrement responsables du sens de notre existence.

Advanced philosophical discourse.

The legal battle centered on the complex issue of retrospective responsibility for historical wrongs.

La bataille juridique s'est concentrée sur la question complexe de la responsabilité rétrospective pour les torts historiques.

Using 'retrospective responsibility'.

The CEO's resignation was seen as an admission of ultimate responsibility for the scandal.

La démission du PDG a été vue comme un aveu de responsabilité ultime pour le scandale.

Using 'admission of ultimate responsibility'.

The tension between individual agency and systemic responsibility remains a core sociological debate.

La tension entre l'agence individuelle et la responsabilité systémique reste un débat sociologique central.

Using 'systemic responsibility'.

The architect accepted full responsibility for the structural integrity of the building.

L'architecte a accepté l'entière responsabilité de l'intégrité structurelle du bâtiment.

Using 'structural integrity' with responsibility.

The ethical responsibility of AI developers is a subject of intense global scrutiny.

La responsabilité éthique des développeurs d'IA est un sujet d'examen mondial intense.

Modern ethical/technological context.

He carried the responsibility of his office with a quiet, stoic dignity.

Il a porté la responsabilité de sa fonction avec une dignité calme et stoïque.

Literary/formal description of character.

Common Collocations

take responsibility

accept responsibility

personal responsibility

social responsibility

heavy responsibility

delegate responsibility

shirk responsibility

legal responsibility

sense of responsibility

ultimate responsibility

Common Phrases

in a position of responsibility

— Having a job or role that involves making important decisions and being accountable.

She has been in a position of responsibility for over ten years.

claim responsibility

— To state that you or your group are the ones who did something (often something bad).

The group claimed responsibility for the cyberattack.

full responsibility

— Complete accountability without trying to share the blame with others.

I take full responsibility for what happened.

area of responsibility

— The specific tasks or departments that a person is in charge of.

Marketing is her primary area of responsibility.

shift the responsibility

— To try to make someone else accountable for something you should be doing.

Don't try to shift the responsibility onto your assistant.

moral responsibility

— A duty that comes from one's own conscience or ethics rather than a law.

We have a moral responsibility to help those in need.

shared responsibility

— A situation where two or more people are equally accountable for something.

Raising children is a shared responsibility between parents.

financial responsibility

— The duty to manage money wisely and pay debts.

Learning financial responsibility is important for young adults.

primary responsibility

— The most important task or duty that someone has.

His primary responsibility is the safety of the workers.

discharge a responsibility

— To perform or complete a duty that you have.

He discharged his responsibilities with great care.

Often Confused With

responsibility vs duty

Duty is often more formal or mandatory, while responsibility can be more personal or voluntary.

responsibility vs accountability

Accountability is specifically about being required to explain your actions after they happen.

responsibility vs authority

Authority is the power to make decisions; responsibility is the obligation to handle the results.

Idioms & Expressions

"the buck stops here"

— The final responsibility lies with this person; they will not pass it to anyone else.

As the manager, the buck stops here if the project fails.

informal/political

"on one's shoulders"

— To have the burden or weight of a responsibility personally.

The responsibility for the whole family rests on his shoulders.

neutral

"answer for"

— To be responsible for something and have to explain it if it goes wrong.

You will have to answer for your behavior to the principal.

neutral

"take the rap"

— To take the blame or responsibility for something, especially something you didn't do.

He took the rap for his brother's mistake.

slang

"hold someone's feet to the fire"

— To pressure someone to fulfill their responsibilities or keep their promises.

The voters held the politician's feet to the fire regarding tax cuts.

informal

"carry the can"

— To take the blame or responsibility for something that has gone wrong.

I don't want to be the one carrying the can if this fails.

informal (UK)

"in the driver's seat"

— To be in control and have the responsibility for the direction of something.

With the new CEO in the driver's seat, things are changing fast.

informal

"step up to the plate"

— To take responsibility for something that needs to be done.

We need someone to step up to the plate and lead this project.

informal

"pass the buck"

— To shift the responsibility for something to someone else.

Stop passing the buck and admit you made a mistake.

informal

"wear many hats"

— To have many different responsibilities or roles at the same time.

In a small startup, you have to wear many hats.

informal

Easily Confused

responsibility vs Responsible

It is the adjective form of the same concept.

Responsibility is the noun (the thing you have); responsible is the adjective (the way you are).

I am responsible (adj) for this responsibility (n).

responsibility vs Response

They share the same root 'respond'.

A response is an answer or reaction; responsibility is a duty.

My response to the question was quick, but my responsibility for the project is long-term.

responsibility vs Responsiveness

They look similar.

Responsiveness is how quickly you react; responsibility is your duty to act.

The company's responsiveness to complaints is part of its social responsibility.

responsibility vs Reliability

They are related qualities.

Reliability is being dependable; responsibility is having a duty.

His responsibility is huge, and luckily his reliability is also high.

responsibility vs Obligation

They are often used as synonyms.

Obligation usually implies a legal or contractual requirement; responsibility is broader.

I have a legal obligation to pay, but a moral responsibility to help.

Sentence Patterns

It is my responsibility to [verb].

It is my responsibility to clean my room.

I have the responsibility for [noun].

I have the responsibility for the office keys.

[Person] took responsibility for [noun/gerund].

The manager took responsibility for the delay.

In a position of [adjective] responsibility.

She is in a position of great responsibility.

The onus of responsibility lies with [noun].

The onus of responsibility lies with the individual.

A sense of [adjective] responsibility toward [noun].

A sense of profound responsibility toward future generations.

Delegate the responsibility to [person].

I will delegate the responsibility to my assistant.

Accept full responsibility for [noun].

He accepted full responsibility for the accident.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

I have the responsible for this. → I have the responsibility for this.
You must use the noun form after 'the'.
He is a very responsibility man. → He is a very responsible man.
You must use the adjective form to describe a person.
I take responsibility about the mistake. → I take responsibility for the mistake.
The correct preposition is 'for'.
She made her responsibility well. → She fulfilled her responsibility well.
We don't 'make' responsibilities; we 'fulfill' or 'carry them out'.
I have many responsibility. → I have many responsibilities.
When referring to multiple tasks, use the plural form.

Tips

Noun vs Adjective

Always check if you need the noun 'responsibility' or the adjective 'responsible'. If you use 'the', you usually need the noun.

Use Strong Verbs

Instead of just 'having' responsibility, use 'assuming', 'bearing', or 'discharging' to sound more advanced.

Syllable Stress

Focus on the 'BIL' syllable. Re-spon-si-BIL-i-ty. It helps people understand you better.

Resume Tip

Use 'Responsible for' followed by a gerund (e.g., 'Responsible for managing...') in your work history.

Taking Blame

Saying 'I take full responsibility' is a powerful way to resolve conflicts and show maturity.

Sense of Responsibility

Use the phrase 'a sense of responsibility' to describe someone's character or feelings.

Avoid 'Make'

Never say 'make responsibility'. It is one of the most common mistakes for English learners.

Delegation

In a leadership role, 'delegating responsibility' is just as important as 'taking' it.

The Buck Stops Here

Use this idiom when you want to show that you are the final decision-maker.

Word Family

Learn 'responsibly' (adv) and 'irresponsible' (adj) at the same time to expand your vocabulary quickly.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Response-Ability'. It is your 'ability' to 'respond' to a situation or a task that has been given to you.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a large, heavy globe on their shoulders (like Atlas). This represents the 'weight' of responsibility.

Word Web

Duty Accountability Trust Job Blame Care Leadership Maturity

Challenge

Try to use the word 'responsibility' in three different sentences today: one about your job, one about your home life, and one about a mistake.

Word Origin

The word 'responsibility' comes from the French 'responsabilité', which appeared in the late 18th century. This was derived from the adjective 'responsible', which in turn came from the Latin 'responsus', the past participle of 'respondere', meaning 'to answer'.

Original meaning: The original sense was the state of being 'answerable' or 'accountable' for one's actions.

Indo-European (Latin branch)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'responsibility' in the context of blame. Saying 'It's your responsibility' can sound accusatory depending on the tone.

In English-speaking workplaces, 'taking responsibility' is seen as a sign of leadership and is highly valued during performance reviews.

Spider-Man: 'With great power comes great responsibility.' Harry Truman: 'The buck stops here.' (A sign on his desk about final responsibility). Eleanor Roosevelt: 'In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves... The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

Core responsibilities
Delegate responsibility
Assume a new role
Job description

Family

Parental responsibility
Household chores
Caring for elders
Shared duties

Legal

Legal liability
Accept responsibility
Deny responsibility
Held responsible

Ethics

Moral obligation
Social responsibility
Personal ethics
Accountability

Education

Student responsibility
Learning outcomes
Classroom duties
Academic integrity

Conversation Starters

"What is the biggest responsibility you have ever had at work?"

"Do you think children should be given responsibilities at a young age?"

"How do you feel when someone tries to shirk their responsibility?"

"In your opinion, what is the government's most important responsibility?"

"Is it better to have a job with a lot of responsibility or a simple job?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on a time you took responsibility for a mistake. What did you learn from the experience?

Describe your current daily responsibilities. How do they make you feel?

Write about a person you know who is very responsible. What qualities do they have?

If you could delegate one of your responsibilities to someone else, which one would it be and why?

What does 'social responsibility' mean to you in your local community?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is both. Use it as uncountable when talking about the general concept (e.g., 'Responsibility is important'). Use it as countable when talking about specific tasks (e.g., 'I have many responsibilities at work').

'Responsibility for' is used for the task or person you care for (e.g., 'responsibility for the cat'). 'Responsibility of' is used for the person who has the duty (e.g., 'the responsibility of the parents').

No, that is not natural. You should use 'take,' 'accept,' 'assume,' or 'fulfill' a responsibility.

It means to avoid or ignore your duties, especially when they are difficult or unpleasant. It is a negative term.

The plural form is 'responsibilities'. You change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'.

CSR is the idea that a company should play a positive role in society and consider the environmental and social impact of its decisions.

It is a neutral word. It is used in formal documents, but it is also very common in everyday conversation.

The direct opposite is 'irresponsibility'. Other opposites include 'exemption' or 'unaccountability'.

It is a slang idiom meaning to take the blame or responsibility for something, often something you didn't actually do.

It shows that you are reliable and can be trusted to complete tasks without constant supervision, which is essential for career growth.