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responsible Definition

re·spon·sible (ri spän′sə bəl)

adjective

  1. expected or obliged to account (for something, to someone); answerable; accountable
  2. involving accountability, obligation, or duties a responsible position
  3. that can be charged with being the cause, agent, or source of something the moisture that is responsible for the rust
  4. able to distinguish between right and wrong and to think and act rationally, and hence accountable for one's behavior
    1. readily assuming obligations, duties, etc.; dependable; reliable
    2. able to pay debts or meet business obligations

Etymology: MFr < L responsus: see response

responsible Related Forms
re·spon′·sible·ness noun re·spon′·sibly adverb
responsible Synonyms

responsible

modif.

  1. Charged with responsibility

    accountable, answerable, liable, amenable, subject, bound, incumbent on, devolving on, under obligation, constrained, tied, fettered, bonded, censurable, chargeable, culpable, to blame, at fault, guilty, obligated, obliged, compelled, contracted, held, pledged, sworn to, under contract, engaged; see also bound 2.

    Antonyms free*, unconstrained, exempt.

  2. Capable of assuming responsibility

    trustworthy, trusty, reliable, capable, efficient, loyal, faithful, dutiful, dependable, conscientious, tried, self-reliant, able, competent, qualified, effective, upright, honest, firm, steadfast, steady, stable, rational, mature.

    Antonyms irresponsible*, capricious, unstable.

responsible applies to one who has been delegated some duty or responsibility by one in authority and who is subject to penalty in case of default who is responsible for filing the reports?; answerable implies a legal or moral obligation for which one must answer to someone sitting in judgment not answerable for the crimes of one's parents; accountable implies liability for which one may be called to account you will be held accountable for anything you may say

responsible Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • socially: Privatization and a growing divide Opening the gas and electricity market Socially responsible suppliers?
  • solely: Recruiters are solely responsible for their postings on the Website.

Preposition: for

  • content: RM is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
  • running: The Fitness Club is responsible for the running of numerous aerobics classes each week in Union Gym.
  • maintenance: Adult stem cells are responsible for the healthy maintenance of all the major human organs throughout life.
  • administration: Who Should Attend Staff responsible for the day-to-day administration of council tax.
  • loss: PMC Telecom is not held responsible for loss or damage of return items.
  • compliance: The pain, trauma and anguish associated with the injections have been responsible for poor patient compliance to a large extent.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • prosecute: Police have been informed and once again they will take extra steps to identify and possibly prosecute the individuals responsible.
  • identify: Det Con Andy Crowe said: " We are following a number of lines of inquiry to identify the persons responsible.

Modifies a noun

  • manner: Click Red offers enhanced rich media content in a user-friendly and responsible manner.
  • ownership: He maintained that the Bill would streamline and update legislation, support responsible pet ownership and lead to improved breed standards.
  • citizen: They are just acting out their role as responsible citizens, too.
  • drinking: The Portman Group, meanwhile, was specifically set up by drinks manufacturers to promote responsible drinking and marketing of alcoholic drinks.
  • adult: A responsible adult must accompany children under 14 years.
  • attitude: This in turn will lead to a more continental style cafe culture with the English and Welsh taking a more responsible attitude to alcohol.

Used with adjective complement

  • hold: PMC Telecom is not held responsible for loss or damage of return items.
  • remain: You will remain responsible for ensuring that the holiday is paid for by the balance due date.
  • become: The age at which children become fully responsible varies.
  • feel: Bobbie feels responsible for Stan's heart attack, thinking he saw her dope plants.
responsible Quotes

I was called by my sovereign and by the voice of the peopletoassist the State when othershad abdicated the service of it.That being so, no one can be surprisedthat I will go on no longer, since my advice is not taken. Being responsible, I will directöand will be responsible for nothing that I do not direct.

—Pitt,William, 1st Earl of Chatham known as  the Elder