responsibility

A task or duty that you are expected to do or take care of.

• Feeding the dog is your responsibility.
• His new job includes several extra responsibilities.
• Who will take on responsibility for organizing the event?

How to use it: a responsibility to do something (We have a responsibility to protect these children.); responsibility for doing something (She has responsibility for keeping the records.)

Similar words: duty, obligation

Common phrases: take on responsibility, family responsibility, responsibility for something, your responsibility

The state of being expected to explain your actions or accept blame for what happens.

• He accepted responsibility for the mistake.
• The manager has overall responsibility for safety.
• No one claimed responsibility for the damage.

How to use it: responsibility for something (The driver accepted responsibility for the accident.)

Similar words: accountability

Common phrases: accept responsibility, take responsibility, responsibility for something