adjective
responsible
rih-SPAHN-suh-buhl/rɪˈspɑːnsəbl/
Accountable for carrying out an obligation.
The caretaker is responsible for the animals in her care.
Etymology
The roots combine in the idea of promising in return or answering to someone. Responsible preserves that obligation: you must answer for the task, action, or consequences entrusted to you.
In context
… I am responsible for the day-to-day operations, and it happened here on my watch. And so I do have a duty to do everything we can do …
More examples
- Who is responsible for locking the office at night?
- As treasurer, Leo is responsible to the club's members.
- We need a responsible adult to supervise the children.
Forms
responsible · more responsible · most responsible
responsibility noun — A duty one must carry out.
responsibly adverb — In a sensible way that fulfills duties.
Similar words
- accountable
- Emphasizes having to explain or justify actions and results.
- answerable
- Emphasizes owing an explanation to someone with authority.
- reliable
- Emphasizes consistent dependability rather than an assigned duty.