responsibility

Meaning

Noun

• The state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable.
• The state of being liable, culpable, or responsible for something in particular.
• A duty, obligation or liability for which someone is held accountable.
• The obligation to carry forward an assigned task to a successful conclusion. With responsibility goes authority to direct and take the necessary action to ensure success.
• The obligation for the proper custody, care, and safekeeping of property or funds entrusted to the possession or supervision of an individual.

Related

Similar words

• responsibleness

Origin

• From responsible + -ity. Although the components are of French origin, the compound appears to have been formed in English. Later-attested French responsabilité is modeled on the English word, and Italian responsabilità is in turn modeled on the French.