responsibility
noun
BrE /rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/
; NAmE /rɪˌspɑːnsəˈbɪləti/
(pl. responsibilities)
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1. [uncountable, countable] a duty to deal with or take care of somebody/something, so that you may be blamed if something goes wrong responsibility (for something) We are recruiting a sales manager with responsibility for the European market. responsibility (for doing something) They have responsibility for ensuring that the rules are enforced. The responsibility for doing this rests with the department managers. responsibility (to do something) It is their responsibility to ensure that the rules are enforced. parental rights and responsibilities to take/assume overall responsibility for personnel I don't feel ready to take on new responsibilities.to be in a position of responsibility I did it on my own responsibility (= without being told to and being willing to take the blame if it had gone wrong).
2. [uncountable] responsibility (for something) blame for something bad that has happened The bank refuses to accept responsibility for the mistake. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the bombing. We must all bear some responsibility for what happened. SEE ALSO diminished responsibility
3. [uncountable, countable] a duty to help or take care of somebody because of your job, position, etc. responsibility (to/towards somebody) She feels a strong sense of responsibility towards her employees. responsibility (to do something) I think we have a moral responsibility to help these countries.