B2noun2K

UK/["/ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃn/"]/US/["/ˌɑːblɪˈɡeɪʃn/"]/

Meaning of Obligation

the state of being forced to do something because it is your duty, or because of a law, etc.

In simple words: Something you must do; a duty or responsibility.

Obligation in a sentence

  • She felt a strong obligation to help her friends in need.
  • There is a legal obligation to pay taxes on time.
  • He fulfilled his obligation to visit his parents every weekend.
  • In some cultures, there is an obligation to care for elderly family members.
  • She was under no obligation to attend the meeting if she didn't want to.

How to use Obligation

Use 'obligation' in both formal and informal contexts when discussing responsibilities or duties. It's appropriate in legal, academic, or personal situations but less common in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'obligation' as 'on your plate' — something you have to handle.

Related words

Collocations with Obligation

  • contractual
  • legal
  • statutory
  • carry out
  • discharge
  • fulfil/​fulfill
  • arise from something
  • under an obligation
  • without obligation
  • obligation of
  • contractual
  • legal
  • statutory
  • carry out
  • discharge
  • fulfil/​fulfill
  • arise from something
  • under an obligation
  • without obligation
  • obligation of

Synonyms for Obligation

Opposites of Obligation

Common mistakes with Obligation

  • Confused with 'obligated' — remember 'obligation' is the noun.
  • Using 'obligation' with incorrect prepositions — typically used with 'to' (e.g., obligation to pay).
  • Overusing in casual speech — more common in formal contexts.

Obligation appears in

Obligation in other languages

More words like Obligation

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Frequently asked questions about Obligation

What does Obligation mean?

Something you must do; a duty or responsibility.

What is the definition of Obligation?

the state of being forced to do something because it is your duty, or because of a law, etc.

How do you use Obligation in a sentence?

She felt a strong obligation to help her friends in need.

Can you give another example of Obligation?

There is a legal obligation to pay taxes on time.

What are synonyms for Obligation?

Common alternatives include commitment.

What is the opposite of Obligation?

Opposite meanings include freedom, option, choice.

What words go with Obligation?

It commonly pairs with contractual, legal, statutory, carry out, discharge, fulfil/​fulfill, arise from something, under an obligation, without obligation, obligation of, contractual, legal, statutory, carry out, discharge, fulfil/​fulfill, arise from something, under an obligation, without obligation, obligation of.

What are common mistakes when using Obligation?

Confused with 'obligated' — remember 'obligation' is the noun. Using 'obligation' with incorrect prepositions — typically used with 'to' (e.g., obligation to pay). Overusing in casual speech — more common in formal contexts.

How do you pronounce Obligation?

US: /["/ˌɑːblɪˈɡeɪʃn/"]/, UK: /["/ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃn/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Obligation?

Use 'obligation' in both formal and informal contexts when discussing responsibilities or duties. It's appropriate in legal, academic, or personal situations but less common in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Obligation?

"Obligation" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.