Added 9 October 2026
responsibility
/ɹɪˌspɒn.səˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ noun
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about responsibility at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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The state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
Responsibility is a heavy burden.
- The state of being liable, culpable, or responsible for something in particular.
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A duty, obligation or liability for which someone is held accountable.
Why didn't you clean the house? That was your responsibility!
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.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)