Cool MateResponsibility
UK /["/rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/"]/US /["/rɪˌspɑːnsəˈbɪləti/"]/
Definition
a duty to deal with or take care of somebody/something, so that you may be blamed if something goes wrong
In simple words: Being in charge of something you must take care of.
Examples
- Taking care of your pet is a big responsibility.
- As the team leader, she has a lot of responsibility on her shoulders.
- He was relieved when he delegated some of his responsibilities to others.
- Parents have the responsibility to provide for their children.
- With great power comes great responsibility.
Usage notes
Use in situations where someone has duties or obligations. It fits well in both personal and professional contexts. Avoid using it in very casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
responsibility + for + noun
Memory hint
Think of 'response' + 'ability' — you respond to situations through your responsibilities.
Collocations
- complete
- full
- total
- have
- accept
- acknowledge
- fall on somebody
- fall to somebody
- lie with somebody
- responsibility for
- responsibility towards/toward
- the age of criminal responsibility
- the burden of responsibility
- do something on your own responsibility
- complete
- full
- total
- have
- accept
- acknowledge
- fall on somebody
- fall to somebody
- lie with somebody
- responsibility for
- responsibility towards/toward
- the age of criminal responsibility
- the burden of responsibility
- do something on your own responsibility
- heavy
- major
- onerous
- have
- carry out
- discharge
- responsibility for
- responsibility to
- responsibility towards/toward
- duties and responsibilities
- rights and responsibilities
Synonyms
- duty
- obligation
- accountability
- responsibleness
- liability
Antonyms
- irresponsibility
- neglect
- carelessness
Common mistakes
- Saying 'responsibility to' instead of 'responsibility for'.
- Confusing 'responsibility' with 'responsible'.
- Using it in singular form incorrectly in plural contexts.