dutiful

adjective

du·​ti·​ful ˈdü-ti-fəl 

also ˈdyü-

1

: filled with or motivated by a sense of duty

a dutiful child

2

: proceeding from or expressive of a sense of duty

a dutiful effort

dutifully

ˈd(y)ü-ti-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

dutifulness

ˈd(y)ü-ti-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of dutiful

• respectful
• deferent

Examples of dutiful in a Sentence

the dutiful way he took care of his sick mother

the family showed a dutiful deference to their minister when he came to dinner

Recent Examples on the Web

Furthermore, every wager is carefully tracked by these providers, meaning that the taxing authorities can be even more dutiful in ensuring that taxpayers are paying their fair share in income taxes on sports betting activities. — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Like that dutiful mastiff, this Urus is happiest when let off the leash. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 June 2026

Uranus is shaking your dutiful sixth house of work, health, habits and responsibility, while the North Node activates your third house of communication and everyday choices. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026

The poem contrasts this process with dutiful, dry record-keeping, which is more faithful to what’s known but evokes less of what’s not. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dutiful

• undutiful

Kids Definition

dutiful

adjective

du·​ti·​ful ˈd(y)üt-i-fəl 

: having or showing a sense of duty

dutifully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

dutifulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun