plural responsibilities
1
: the state of being the person who caused something to happen
He accepted full responsibility for the accident. [=he admitted that the accident was his fault]
The boys denied any responsibility for the damage to the fence.
A terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the bombing.
2
a
: a duty or task that you are required or expected to do
The janitor has many responsibilities.
Mowing the lawn is your responsibility.
She has to deal with a lot of family and work responsibilities.
It is your responsibility to give the company two weeks notice if you decide to leave.
A teacher's most important responsibility is to help her students. = A teacher's first responsibility is to/toward her students.
In her new position, she will have much more responsibility.
b
: something that you should do because it is morally right, legally required, etc.
We have a responsibility to protect the environment.
The government's responsibility is to serve the public.
3
: the state of having the job or duty of dealing with and taking care of something or someone
The principal has responsibility for 450 students and a staff of 35.
4
: the quality of a person who can be trusted to do what is expected, required, etc.
She is completely lacking in responsibility.
The boy developed a sense of responsibility with his first job.
Cite this Entry
“Responsibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/responsibility. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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