B1adjective1K

Responsible

UK /["/rɪˈspɒnsəbl/"]/US /["/rɪˈspɑːnsəbl/"]/

Definition

having the job or duty of doing something or taking care of somebody/something, so that you may be blamed if something goes wrong

In simple words: To be someone who can be trusted to do what is right or take care of something.

Examples

  • She is very responsible when it comes to her job.
  • The government is responsible for implementing new laws.
  • Being responsible means taking care of your duties.
  • I trust him because he is always responsible with money.
  • As a parent, it’s important to be responsible at all times.

Usage notes

Used to describe someone dependable or accountable. Appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, though overly formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

be + responsible + for + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'responsible' person wearing a nice suit, holding a checklist of their tasks.

Collocations

  • be
  • become
  • remain
  • completely
  • entirely
  • fully
  • for
  • be
  • feel
  • seem
  • completely
  • entirely
  • fully
  • for
  • be
  • feel
  • seem
  • completely
  • entirely
  • fully
  • for
  • be
  • seem
  • become
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • with
  • be
  • become
  • remain
  • completely
  • entirely
  • fully
  • for
  • be
  • directly
  • ultimately
  • to

Synonyms

  • conscientious

Antonyms

  • irresponsible
  • careless
  • negligent

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'responsible' with 'responsive'
  • Using 'responsible' without 'for' when describing duties
  • Incorrectly spelling 'responsible' as 'responsable'