ответственный, несущий ответственность, надежный, сознательный, важный
прилагательное ↓
- ответственный; несущий ответственность
responsible to smb. — ответственный перед кем-л. 
to be responsible for smth. — а) быть ответственным за что-л.; б) быть автором или инициатором чего-л.
to be jointly and severally responsible — юр. нести солидарную и индивидуальную ответственность
he is responsible for these verses — эти стихи принадлежат ему
they are responsible for the reorganization — из-за них /благодаря им/ была проведена реорганизация
- отвечающий за свои действия
he is not responsible for his actions — он не отвечает за свои поступки, он ненормален
- надёжный, достойный доверия
a very responsible tenant — очень надёжный арендатор
a situation for a responsible man — место для надёжного человека
from responsible sources — из надёжных источников
in responsible quarters — в авторитетных кругах
there was about him a responsible look — в его внешности было что-то внушавшее доверие
- амер. платёжеспособный
- ответственный, важный
responsible post — ответственный пост
- арх. приличный, респектабельный (о виде и т. п.)
he had quite responsible clothes — он был одет вполне прилично
существительное
- театр. жарг. дублёр
Мои примеры
Словосочетания
determined who was the responsible party — определили, кто же был виновной стороной
responsible for the highness of the rates — ответственный за высокие показатели
responsible government — ответственное правительство
to hold smb. responsible — считать кого-л. ответственным
responsible official — ответственное лицо
key / responsible position — ключевая, ответственная должность
responsible authority — ответственный орган
to hold responsible in damages — считать ответственным за убытки
hold responsible — быть ответственным
responsible ministry — ответственное правительство
person responsible for his acts — лицо, ответственное за свои действия
administratively responsible — несущий административную ответственность
Примеры с переводом
She is a very responsible worker.
Она — очень ответственный работник.
He is responsible enough for this job.
Он достаточно ответственный человек для этой работы.
She behaved in a very responsible way.
Она вела себя очень ответственно.
Is he responsible enough to have a car?
Достаточно ли он ответственный чтобы иметь машину?
Who is responsible for this terrible mess?
Кто в ответе за эту ужасную путаницу?
The town is responsible for snow removal.
За уборку снега отвечают городские власти.
They are in no small way responsible for it.
Они в немалой степени несут за это ответственность.
ещё 23 примера свернуть
Примеры, ожидающие перевода
Who is responsible for the upkeep of these buildings? 
I’m holding you personally responsible for this mess!
Angry workers were responsible for the sabotage of the machines.
Для того чтобы добавить вариант перевода, кликните по иконке ☰, напротив примера.
Возможные однокоренные слова
irresponsible — безответственный, несознательный, невменяемый, неответственный
responsibly — ответственно
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And their conviction is that if it is done with that kind of purity it will go somewhere. I believe that with all my heart, but I’m not responsible for its going somewhere.
Daniel Berrigan
ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD RESPONSIBLE
From Latin rēsponsus, from rēspondēre to respond.
Etymology is the study of the origin of words and their changes in structure and significance.
PRONUNCIATION OF RESPONSIBLE
GRAMMATICAL CATEGORY OF RESPONSIBLE
Responsible is an adjective.
The adjective is the word that accompanies the noun to determine or qualify it.
WHAT DOES RESPONSIBLE MEAN IN ENGLISH?
Responsibility
Responsibility may refer to: ▪ Collective responsibility ▪ Corporate social responsibility ▪ Diffusion of responsibility ▪ Diminished responsibility ▪ Duty ▪ Human responsibilities ▪ Legal liability ▪ Legal responsibility, various meanings ▪ Media responsibility ▪ Moral responsibility ▪ Obligation ▪ Professional responsibility ▪ Responsibility assumption in spirituality and personal-growth contexts ▪ Responsibility, a song by the Christian punk band MxPx ▪ Single responsibility principle ▪ Social responsibility ▪ The Westminster system constitutional conventions of: ▪ Cabinet collective responsibility ▪ Individual ministerial responsibility…
Definition of responsible in the English dictionary
The first definition of responsible in the dictionary is usually foll by for having control or authority. Other definition of responsible is foll by to being accountable for one’s actions and decisions. Responsible is also involving decision and accountability.
WORDS THAT RHYME WITH RESPONSIBLE
Synonyms and antonyms of responsible in the English dictionary of synonyms
SYNONYMS OF «RESPONSIBLE»
The following words have a similar or identical meaning as «responsible» and belong to the same grammatical category.
Translation of «responsible» into 25 languages
TRANSLATION OF RESPONSIBLE
Find out the translation of responsible to 25 languages with our English multilingual translator.
The translations of responsible from English to other languages presented in this section have been obtained through automatic statistical translation; where the essential translation unit is the word «responsible» in English.
Translator English — Chinese
负责的
1,325 millions of speakers
Translator English — Spanish
responsable
570 millions of speakers
Translator English — Hindi
जिम्मेदार
380 millions of speakers
Translator English — Arabic
مَسْؤُول
280 millions of speakers
Translator English — Russian
ответственный
278 millions of speakers
Translator English — Portuguese
responsável
270 millions of speakers
Translator English — Bengali
দায়ী
260 millions of speakers
Translator English — French
responsable
220 millions of speakers
Translator English — Malay
Bertanggungjawab
190 millions of speakers
Translator English — Japanese
責任がある
130 millions of speakers
Translator English — Korean
책임이 있는
85 millions of speakers
Translator English — Javanese
Tanggung jawab
85 millions of speakers
Translator English — Vietnamese
chịu trách nhiệm
80 millions of speakers
Translator English — Tamil
பொறுப்பு
75 millions of speakers
Translator English — Marathi
जबाबदार
75 millions of speakers
Translator English — Turkish
sorumluluk sahibi
70 millions of speakers
Translator English — Italian
responsabile
65 millions of speakers
Translator English — Romanian
responsabil
30 millions of speakers
Translator English — Greek
υπεύθυνος
15 millions of speakers
Translator English — Afrikaans
verantwoordelik
14 millions of speakers
Translator English — Swedish
ansvarig
10 millions of speakers
Translator English — Norwegian
ansvarlig
5 millions of speakers
Trends of use of responsible
TENDENCIES OF USE OF THE TERM «RESPONSIBLE»
The term «responsible» is very widely used and occupies the 2.697 position in our list of most widely used terms in the English dictionary.
FREQUENCY
Very widely used
The map shown above gives the frequency of use of the term «responsible» in the different countries.
Principal search tendencies and common uses of responsible
List of principal searches undertaken by users to access our English online dictionary and most widely used expressions with the word «responsible».
FREQUENCY OF USE OF THE TERM «RESPONSIBLE» OVER TIME
The graph expresses the annual evolution of the frequency of use of the word «responsible» during the past 500 years. Its implementation is based on analysing how often the term «responsible» appears in digitalised printed sources in English between the year 1500 and the present day.
Examples of use in the English literature, quotes and news about responsible
10 QUOTES WITH «RESPONSIBLE»
Famous quotes and sentences with the word responsible.
I can say, and I am responsible for what I am saying, that they have started to commit suicide under the walls of Baghdad. We will encourage them to commit more suicides quickly.
None of us is responsible for the complexion of his skin. This fact of nature offers no clue to the character or quality of the person underneath.
I am responsible. Although I may not be able to prevent the worst from happening, I am responsible for my attitude toward the inevitable misfortunes that darken life.
My daughter’s the greatest thing that’s happened to me in my life and she turned me into a more responsible man, as opposed to just someone who’s a perpetual teenager, thinking you’re a man when you’re not.
So I let them be responsible for there particular areas. Then by the time it gets to me that means that there is a problem. I have my eyes open and I need to know something about every department but you don’t want to micro manage any particular department.
When I am there at our global product development centers, I am meeting with the design team and reviewing design work being done there and meeting with engineers responsible for work being done specific to that region, meeting with purchasing team.
People are concerned, here again, about life, and haven’t given a whole lot of attention to how you make fathers responsible for the lives they bring into the world.
And their conviction is that if it is done with that kind of purity it will go somewhere. I believe that with all my heart, but I’m not responsible for its going somewhere.
Whether you’re managing the finances for a household of one, a business of a thousand, or a government of several hundred million, there’s no more important statement of fiscal intent you can make than putting together a responsible budget — one that acknowledges its available means, and makes a reasonable attempt to live within them.
All men equal in rights and duties, all men equally responsible for the destiny of mankind — what a dream!
10 ENGLISH BOOKS RELATING TO «RESPONSIBLE»
Discover the use of responsible in the following bibliographical selection. Books relating to responsible and brief extracts from same to provide context of its use in English literature.
Responsible Journalism addresses the contentious issue of defining journalistic responsibility.
2
Being Responsible: A Book about Responsibility
Explains many different ways that children can be responsible and show responsibility.
3
Responsible Conduct of Research
Featuring chapters that treat such topics as ethical decision-making, research misconduct, and intellectual property, this new edition will be an indispensable resource for students and teachers, academics and industry professionals alike.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Maryland School of Medicine Adil E. Shamoo Professor, David B. Resnik Biothicist National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Institutes of Health, 2009
4
Environmentally Responsible Design: Green and Sustainable …
Armed with this book as a reference, students and professional interior designers will make sound design decisions that incorporate the principles of sustainability with aesthetics and functional requirements.
5
Is Anyone Responsible?: How Television Frames Political Issues
. Here is powerful additional evidence for those of us who like to flay television for its contributions to the trivialization of public discourse and the erosion of democratic accountability.»—William A. Gamson, Contemporary Sociology …
6
Responsible Tourism: Critical Issues for Conservation and …
First Published in 2008. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
7
The Responsible Self: An Essay in Christian Moral Philosophy
It presents a selection of important and otherwise unavailable texts in easily accessible form. Volumes in this series will enable sustained dialogue with predecessors though reflection on classic works in the field.
Helmut Richard Niebuhr, 1999
8
The Responsible Company
Details the business policies undertaken by the outdoor sports clothing company Patagonia to make environmentally responsible practices a priority, including using organic cotton and manufacturing recycled fleece.
Yvon Chouinard, Vincent Stanley, 2012
9
Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research (rev. Ed. )
This report seeks to supplement existing resources by making a comprehensive overview of basic rules of the road for responsible research available to all U.S. Public Health Service-funded researchers.
Nicholas H. Steneck, 2009
10
The Responsible Administrator: An Approach to Ethics for the …
Praise for the Fifth Edition of The Responsible Administrator «Cooper’s fifth edition is the definitive text for students and practitioners who want to have a successful administrative career.
10 NEWS ITEMS WHICH INCLUDE THE TERM «RESPONSIBLE»
Find out what the national and international press are talking about and how the term responsible is used in the context of the following news items.
Coalition for Responsible Cybersecurity Formed to Prevent …
WASHINGTON—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Today, a broad cross-section of industry announced the formation of the Coalition for Responsible Cybersecurity. «Business Wire, Jul 15»
Responsible investment: Vice versus nice
But the campaign against fossil fuels is only the most visible manifestation of the increasing importance of responsible or social investing. There is a huge range … «Financial Times, Jun 15»
Nave Communications Receives Responsible Recycling (R2 …
JESSUP, Md., June 22, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nave Communications, a subsidiary of ADDvantage Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:AEY), announced … «GlobeNewswire, Jun 15»
Responsible Credit Is an Economic and Moral Issue
This brief outlines the case for responsible lending practices within the framework of faith. Finally, the brief lists policy recommendations to tackle predatory … «Center For American Progress, Jun 15»
Canada’s top 50 socially responsible corporations: 2015
Social responsibility is central to the operations of these companies—they know it’s smart business to consider global issues and the broader community, … «Macleans.ca, Jun 15»
Socially Responsible Investing: A Way to Attract Younger Clients
Now comes another difference between these investors and others: They are more inclined toward socially responsible investing. According to a new report from … «ThinkAdvisor, May 15»
Responsible Antibiotics Use Standard Introduced for Chicken in …
School Food FOCUS (Food Options for Children in the United States) and The Pew Charitable Trusts worked together to create the new Certified Responsible … «Food Safety News, May 15»
Responsible Business awards 2015: the shortlist
By making a small but significant change to its Responsible Business awards this year, Business in the Community, the UK charity, hopes to give companies a … «Financial Times, Apr 15»
Tapping the potential of responsible investing by debunking the myths
Once perceived as a niche area of asset management with relatively limited appeal, responsible investment (RI) has evolved into a diverse, globally recognized … «InvestmentNews, Feb 15»
UBS and M&G ‘worst performers’ on responsible investment
UBS Global Asset Management and M&G have been named among the worst-performing fund houses in terms of transparency and responsible investment by … «Financial Times, Jan 15»
REFERENCE
« EDUCALINGO. Responsible [online]. Available <https://educalingo.com/en/dic-en/responsible>. Apr 2023 ».
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re·spon·si·ble
(rĭ-spŏn′sə-bəl)
adj.
1.
a. Liable to be required to give account, as of one’s actions or of the discharge of a duty or trust: Who is responsible while their parents are away?
b. Required to render account; answerable: The cabinet is responsible to the parliament.
2. Involving important duties, the supervision of others, or the ability to make decisions with little supervision: a responsible position within the firm.
3. Being a source or cause: Viruses are responsible for many diseases.
4.
a. Able to make moral or rational decisions on one’s own and therefore answerable for one’s behavior: At what age does a person become responsible?
b. Able to be trusted or depended upon; trustworthy or reliable: a responsible art dealer.
5. Based on or characterized by good judgment or sound thinking: responsible journalism.
[Obsolete French, corresponding to, from Latin respōnsus, past participle of respondēre, to respond; see respond.]
re·spon′si·ble·ness n.
re·spon′si·bly adv.
Synonyms: responsible, answerable, liable, accountable, amenable
These adjectives share the meaning obliged to answer, as for one’s actions, to an authority that may impose a penalty for failure. Responsible often implies the satisfactory performance of duties or the trustworthy care for or disposition of possessions: «I am responsible for the ship’s safety» (Robert Louis Stevenson).
Answerable suggests a moral or legal responsibility subject to review by a higher authority: The court held the parents answerable for their minor child’s acts of vandalism. Liable refers to a legal obligation, as to pay damages: The builder is liable for the cost of delays. Accountable especially emphasizes giving an account of one’s discharge of a responsibility: «The liberal philosophy holds that enduring governments must be accountable to someone beside themselves» (Walter Lippmann).
Amenable implies being subject to the control of an authority and therefore the absence of complete autonomy: «There is no constitutional tribunal to which [the king] is amenable» (Alexander Hamilton). See Also Synonyms at reliable.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
responsible
(rɪˈspɒnsəbəl)
adj
1. (usually foll by: for) having control or authority (over)
2. (foll by: to) being accountable for one’s actions and decisions (to): to be responsible to one’s commanding officer.
3. (of a position, duty, etc) involving decision and accountability
4. (often foll by for) being the agent or cause (of some action): to be responsible for a mistake.
5. able to take rational decisions without supervision; accountable for one’s own actions: a responsible adult.
6. (Banking & Finance) able to meet financial obligations; of sound credit
[C16: from Latin rēsponsus, from rēspondēre to respond]
reˈsponsibleness n
reˈsponsibly adv
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
re•spon•si•ble
(rɪˈspɒn sə bəl)
adj.
1. accountable, as for something within one’s power.
2. involving responsibility: a responsible position.
3. chargeable with being the source or occasion of something (usu. fol. by for).
4. having a capacity for moral decisions and therefore accountable: a defendant not responsible for his actions.
5. able to discharge obligations or pay debts.
6. reliable or dependable, as in conducting one’s affairs.
[1590–1600; < Latin respōns(us) (see response) + -ible]
re•spon′si•bly, adv.
Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
responsible
1. ‘responsible for’
If you are responsible for doing something, it is your job or duty to do it.
The children were responsible for cleaning their own rooms.
Be Careful!
Don’t say that someone is ‘responsible to do‘ something.
If you are responsible for something bad that has happened, it is your fault.
They were charged with being responsible for the death of two policemen.
Be Careful!
Don’t use any preposition except for after responsible in a sentence like this.
2. used after a noun
Responsible can also be used after a noun. If you talk about ‘the person responsible‘, you mean ‘the person who is responsible for what has happened’.
I hope they police find the man responsible.
The company responsible refused to say what happened.
3. used in front of a noun
However, if you use responsible in front of a noun, it has a completely different meaning. A responsible person is someone who can be trusted to behave properly and sensibly.
Responsible adults wouldn’t leave poisons lying around for their children to play with.
Responsible behaviour is sensible and correct.
I thought it was a very responsible decision.
Collins COBUILD English Usage © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 2004, 2011, 2012
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
| Adj. | 1. | responsible — worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable; «a responsible adult»; «responsible journalism»; «a responsible position»; «the captain is responsible for the ship’s safety»; «the cabinet is responsible to the parliament»
obligated — caused by law or conscience to follow a certain course; «felt obligated to repay the kindness»; «was obligated to pay off the student loan» prudent — careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment; «a prudent manager»; «prudent rulers»; «prudent hesitation»; «more prudent to hide than to fight» trustworthy, trusty — worthy of trust or belief; «a trustworthy report»; «an experienced and trustworthy traveling companion» irresponsible — showing lack of care for consequences; «behaved like an irresponsible idiot»; «hasty and irresponsible action» |
| 2. | responsible — being the agent or cause; «determined who was the responsible party»; «termites were responsible for the damage»
causative — producing an effect; «poverty as a causative factor in crime» |
|
| 3. | responsible — having an acceptable credit rating; «a responsible borrower»
trustworthy, trusty — worthy of trust or belief; «a trustworthy report»; «an experienced and trustworthy traveling companion» |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
responsible
adjective
4. sensible, sound, adult, stable, mature, reliable, rational, sober, conscientious, dependable, trustworthy, level-headed He’s a very responsible sort of person.
sensible irresponsible, unreliable, untrustworthy, undependable, unconscientious
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
responsible
adjective
2. Capable of being depended upon:
The American Heritage® Roget’s Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
جدير بالثِّقَةعَمَلٌ فيه مسؤوليَّهمَسْؤُولمَسْؤول عنمَسؤول عَن
odpovědnýspolehlivýzodpovědný
ansvarligskyld i
vastuullinen
odgovoran
felelõsségteljesok: oka
ábyrgîarmikillábyrgurábyrgur gerîa sinnaábyrgur, áreiîanlegurbera ábyrgî á
責任がある
책임이 있는
zodpovedný
odgovorenzanesljiv
ansvarig
รับผิดชอบ
chịu trách nhiệm
Collins Spanish Dictionary — Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
responsible
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
respond
(rəˈspond) verb
(with to).
1. to answer with words, a reaction, gesture etc. He didn’t respond to my question; I smiled at her, but she didn’t respond.
2. to show a good reaction eg to some course of treatment. His illness did not respond to treatment by drugs.
3. (of vehicles etc) to be guided easily by controls. The pilot said the plane did not respond to the controls.
reˈsponse (-s) noun
1. a reply or reaction. Our letters have never met with any response; My suggestions met with little response.
2. (usually in plural) in church services, a part spoken by the congregation rather than the priest.
reˌsponsiˈbility (-sə-) – plural reˌsponsiˈbilities – noun
1. something which a person has to look after, do etc. He takes his responsibilities very seriously.
2. the state of having important duties. a position of responsibility.
3. the state of being responsible. his responsibility for the accident.
reˈsponsible (-səbl) adjective
1. having a duty to see that something is done etc. We’ll make one person responsible for buying the food for the trip.
2. (of a job etc) having many duties eg the making of important decisions. The job of manager is a very responsible post.
3. (with for) being the cause of something. Who is responsible for the stain on the carpet?
4. (of a person) able to be trusted; sensible. We need a responsible person for this job.
5. (with for) able to control, and fully aware of (one’s actions). The lawyer said that at the time of the murder, his client was not responsible for his actions.
reˈsponsibly (-sə-) adverb
in a trustworthy or serious way. Do try to behave responsibly.
reˈsponsive (-siv) adjective
(negative unresponsive). a responsive, kindly girl; a responsive smile; The disease is responsive to treatment.
reˈsponsively adverbreˈsponsiveness noun
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
responsible
→ مَسْؤُول odpovědný ansvarlig verantwortlich υπεύθυνος responsable vastuullinen responsable odgovoran responsabile 責任がある 책임이 있는 verantwoordelijk ansvarlig odpowiedzialny responsável ответственный ansvarig รับผิดชอบ sorumlu chịu trách nhiệm 负责的
Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
responsible
a. responsable.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
Formerly, if any one said, “I am not alone responsible for this,” he was understood to mean (what alone his words mean in correct English), that he is not the sole person responsible; but if he now used such an expression, the reader would be confused between that and two other meanings: that he is not _only responsible_ but something more; or that he is responsible _not only for this_ but for something besides. ❋ John Stuart Mill (1839)
Kundra is responsible for «responsible for setting technology policy across the government, and using technology to improve security, ensure transparency, and lower costs, » Obama said.
The main responsible is the officer who pushed the “fire” button. ❋ Unknown (2006)
The main responsible is the officer who pushed the “fire†button. ❋ Unknown (2006)
Young God Records is the New York-based indie founded by Swans / Angels of Light Michael Gira, the label responsible for discovering Devendra Banhart and releasing music from the likes of Akron / Family and ❋ Unknown (2009)
«The publisher actually ends up with a fairly small share of a game’s recommended retail price,» says Peter Stone, general manager of Konami UK, the label responsible for the epic Metal Gear Solid 4, rumoured to have cost $50m. ❋ Unknown (2009)
Whether the video serves as a trailer for a full-length documentary feature are unknown, however, the posted 6-minute clip gives an interesting look into the label responsible for releases from bands like Hot Water Music, Planes Mistaken For Stars, Radon and many more. ❋ Unknown (2008)
The president promised the American people that the long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq would come to what he called a responsible end. ❋ Unknown (2011)
But members of the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance (KARA) held a prayer vigil for what they call responsible development at the giant building. ❋ Unknown (2009)
[Hitler] is responsible for [the Holocaust].
The [American people] are responsible for electing their next president. ❋ Col. Hans Landa (2012)
«You can’t have a car until you show more responsibility!» — The Parents
«[WTF]?! [All I do] all day is [sleep]!» — Me ❋ Wonderboy (2004)
[Responsibility] should be avoided unless you know the risk and are willing to take the [blame] for failing. Opportunity hides inside this risk, for if you succeed you will get «CREDIT» for success and [dodge] the ‘BLAME» for failure. ❋ Spiritual-Master (2022)
«Why won’t you try and act [responsible]?» -dad
«I’ll [whoop] [yo ass]»
-also dad ❋ Larry Gadon (2019)
I hate taking [responsibility] for accidents. It’s [not my fault] that something I have [no control] over happened. If it was completely under my control and it happened, that would be one thing. Something you have no control over is a different story to me. ❋ Durango (2006)
[President Bush] says he «takes full responsibility for the mistakes in [tactics] that have failed to secure the safety of [Baghdad]». However, the guy is still president! ❋ James1000 (2007)
A poor example:
John: HAY [AGIN] MARTIN
Martin: [Hello John].
John: btw taht was a response, [rigt]??/?
Martin: Yes. Yes it was. ❋ Requisite (2008)
[John]: [Hi]!
[Gary]: no response ❋ KiloWhiskay (2014)
Joe:» Hey, [would you like to] go out, or do you have a boyfriend?»
[Missy]:»I am seeing someone-kinda.»
Joe: «It sounds like [the dude] can’t handle responsibility.» ❋ Lexie Girl (2008)
Hym «Yeah, tell me more about my civic responsibility as I’m being [gaslit] by a one-eyed senator…. Hello? Nothing? I have a civic responsibility to make things better for people who refuse to even acknowledge my existence? Aside from the shrink, a senator is the last fucking person on the planet to be doing that in from of millions of people. You whole class, your entire upper echelon of society is just millionaires paying millionaires to continue being millionaires. And the barrier to entry? Arbitrary. People being denied [due process] and not being elevated based on merit? What are you doing about any of that? Nothing. What am I getting in exchange for my taxpayer dollars other than told to shut up and go [fuck myself]? Work at a fucking church. For all I know, the church is stealing my fucking ideas too! I don’t know that I’m not already working for the church. Quit being a [contrarian] and work at a church.» ❋ Hym Iam (2022)
1
a
: liable to be called on to answer
b(1)
: liable to be called to account as the primary cause, motive, or agent
a committee responsible for the job
(2)
: being the cause or explanation
mechanical defects were responsible for the accident
c
: liable to legal review or in case of fault to penalties
2
a
: able to answer for one’s conduct and obligations : trustworthy
b
: able to choose for oneself between right and wrong
3
: marked by or involving responsibility or accountability
responsible financial policies
4
: politically answerable
especially
: required to submit to the electorate if defeated by the legislature
—used especially of the British cabinet
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for responsible
the bureau responsible for revenue collection
answerable suggests a relation between one having a moral or legal obligation and a court or other authority charged with oversight of its observance.
an intelligence agency answerable to Congress
accountable suggests imminence of retribution for unfulfilled trust or violated obligation.
elected officials are accountable to the voters
amenable and liable stress the fact of subjection to review, censure, or control by a designated authority under certain conditions.
laws are amenable to judicial review
not liable for the debts of the former spouse
Example Sentences
«If you all die of typhoid I won’t be responsible!» he snapped. «If you die of dullness, neither will I,» Helen echoed in her heart.
—
Virginia Woolf, The Voyage Out, 1915
I have long since ceased to cherish any spirit of bitterness against the Southern white people on account of the enslavement of my race. No one section of our country was wholly responsible for its introduction, and, besides, it was recognized and protected for years by the General Government.
—Booker T. Washington, Up from Slavery, 1900, 1901
He resumed our walk with me, passing his hand into my arm. «Then when AM I going back?» I wore, in turning it over, my most responsible air.
—Henry James, The Turn of the Screw, 1898
She is a very responsible worker.
Is he responsible enough to have a car?
Recent Examples on the Web
Velcovsky, an instructor at the Prague Applied Arts University, is responsible for scouting and recruiting emerging talent.
—Damon Johnstun, oregonlive, 10 Apr. 2023
Nick Maton, who finished 0-for-4, was responsible for four of the strikeouts.
—Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 9 Apr. 2023
The group believes that Border Patrol agents were responsible for the destruction.
—Kate Morrissey, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2023
The Justice Department, at the Pentagon’s request, has launched an investigation of the leak and who is responsible for the intelligence breach.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2023
District officials agreed that Kluge could call students by their last name and would not be responsible for handing out orchestra clothing.
—Kathleen Foody, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Apr. 2023
But the executive is responsible for more than just Air Jordan, as his influence and impact on the world of basketball and sports extend far beyond the court—and even into the courts.
—William Goodman, Men’s Health, 8 Apr. 2023
This is because the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are responsible for digestion and metabolism.
—Mary Shomon, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2023
The archdiocese, which does not have geographical boundaries, is responsible for the care of 1.8 million Catholics across the globe.
—Adam Shaw, Fox News, 8 Apr. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘responsible.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Anglo-French responsable, from respuns — see response
First Known Use
1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of responsible was
in 1643
Dictionary Entries Near responsible
Cite this Entry
“Responsible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/responsible. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.
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Last Updated:
11 Apr 2023
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
Britannica Dictionary definition of RESPONSIBLE
1
— used to describe the person or thing that causes something to happen
-
Those responsible will be punished/rewarded.
— usually + for
-
The technicians found the glitch that was responsible for [=that caused] the computer crash.
-
Police caught the youths responsible for the vandalism.
-
Who was responsible for the accident?
-
She’s responsible for most of the improvements here in recent months.
-
He holds me responsible for [=blames me for] the project’s failure.
2
:
having the job or duty of dealing with or taking care of something or someone
— + for
-
She is responsible for the company’s publicity.
-
Each child is responsible for his or her own belongings.
-
The committee is responsible for organizing the dance.
-
You are responsible for mowing the lawn.
-
Who was responsible for choosing this location?
-
Parents are responsible for their own children.
3
[more responsible; most responsible]
:
able to be trusted to do what is right or to do the things that are expected or required
-
She is a very responsible worker.
-
Is he responsible enough to have a car?
—
opposite irresponsible
4
[more responsible; most responsible]
:
involving important duties, decisions, etc., that you are trusted to do
-
She got a higher salary and a more responsible position at the company.
5
:
working under the direction and authority of a particular person
— + to
-
I am responsible to her, and she is directly responsible to the company president.
— responsibly
/rɪˈspɑːnsəbli/
adverb
[more responsibly; most responsibly]
-
Our leaders must act responsibly.
Need another word that means the same as “responsible”? Find 27 synonyms and 30 related words for “responsible” in this overview.
Table Of Contents:
- Responsible as an Adjective
- Definitions of «Responsible» as an adjective
- Synonyms of «Responsible» as an adjective (27 Words)
- Usage Examples of «Responsible» as an adjective
- Associations of «Responsible» (30 Words)
The synonyms of “Responsible” are: responsible for, creditworthy, in charge of, in control of, accountable for, liable for, charged with, answerable, accountable, to blame, important, powerful, authoritative, executive, high, trustworthy, capable of being trusted, trusty, level-headed, rational, sane, reasonable, sensible, sound, stable, mature, adult
Responsible as an Adjective
Definitions of «Responsible» as an adjective
According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “responsible” as an adjective can have the following definitions:
- Being the primary cause of something and so able to be blamed or credited for it.
- Morally accountable for one’s behaviour.
- Being the agent or cause.
- Having an acceptable credit rating.
- Having to report to (a superior) and be answerable to them for one’s actions.
- (of a job or position) involving important duties, independent decision-making, or control over others.
- Having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part of one’s job or role.
- Worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable.
- Capable of being trusted.
Synonyms of «Responsible» as an adjective (27 Words)
| accountable | Liable to account for one’s actions. Governments must be accountable to someone beside themselves. |
| accountable for | Liable to account for one’s actions. |
| adult | Of or for adult people. An effort to be adult and civilized. |
| answerable | Required to explain or justify one’s actions to; responsible or having to report to. An employer is answerable for the negligence of his employees. |
| authoritative | Sanctioned by established authority. An authoritative communique. |
| capable of being trusted | Having the requisite qualities for. |
| charged with | Fraught with great emotion. |
| creditworthy | Having an acceptable credit rating. |
| executive | Relating to or having the power to put plans or actions into effect. The executive branch of government. |
| high | Being at or having a relatively great or specific elevation or upward extension sometimes used in combinations like knee high. The high priest. |
| important | Important in effect or meaning. Writers as important as Hopkins. |
| in charge of | Directed or bound inward. |
| in control of | Directed or bound inward. |
| level-headed | Exercising or showing good judgment. |
| liable for | Subject to legal action. |
| mature | Fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used. Miss Walker was a mature lady when she married. |
| powerful | Possessing physical strength and weight rugged and powerful. A powerful bomb. |
| rational | (of a number, quantity, or expression) expressible, or containing quantities which are expressible, as a ratio of whole numbers. A process of rational inference. |
| reasonable | Showing reason or sound judgment. They are lovely shoes and very reasonable. |
| responsible for | Worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable. |
| sane | (of a person) of sound mind; not mad or mentally ill. Appears to be completely sane. |
| sensible | Done or chosen in accordance with wisdom or prudence; likely to be of benefit. Mum always made me have sensible shoes. |
| sound | Exercising or showing good judgment. A sound timber. |
| stable | Sane and sensible; not easily upset or disturbed. A stable peace. |
| to blame | Expletives used informally as intensifiers. |
| trustworthy | Worthy of trust or belief. Trustworthy public servants. |
| trusty | Worthy of trust or belief. My trusty old Morris Minor. |
Usage Examples of «Responsible» as an adjective
- Termites were responsible for the damage.
- A responsible adult.
- A responsible position.
- Responsible journalism.
- Determined who was the responsible party.
- The cabinet minister responsible for Education.
- The progressive emergence of the child as a responsible being.
- Gooch was responsible for 198 of his side’s 542 runs.
- She had risen rapidly to a high and responsible position in the civil service.
- The cabinet is responsible to the parliament.
- A responsible borrower.
- The captain is responsible for the ship’s safety.
- The Prime Minister and cabinet are responsible to Parliament.
Associations of «Responsible» (30 Words)
| accountable | Liable to account for one’s actions. Parents cannot be held accountable for their children s actions. |
| allowable | (of an amount of money) able to be earned or received free of tax. The loan deal has been extended to the maximum allowable three months. |
| answerable | Required to explain or justify one’s actions to; responsible or having to report to. Parents are answerable for their child s acts. |
| ascribe | Regard a quality as belonging to. Tough mindedness is a quality commonly ascribed to top bosses. |
| attribute | Attribute or credit to. Ancient peoples attributed magic properties to certain stones. |
| beholden | Under a moral obligation to someone. I don t like to be beholden to anybody. |
| binding | Fabric cut or woven in a strip used for binding the edges of a piece of material. The book had a leather binding. |
| demonstrably | In a way that is clearly apparent or capable of being logically proved. The policies followed so far have demonstrably failed. |
| directive | An official or authoritative instruction. A new EC directive. |
| duty | The social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force. Goods subject to excise duty. |
| economically | With respect to economic science. A precis aims to express a passage more economically. |
| enforceable | (of a law, rule, or obligation) able to be imposed so that it must be complied with. A binding and enforceable contract. |
| environmentally | In a way that relates to a person’s surroundings. Measures designed to promote environmentally friendly farming. |
| impute | Represent (something, especially something undesirable) as being done or possessed by someone; attribute. Christ s righteousness has been imputed to us. |
| incorruptible | Not subject to death or decay; everlasting. Incorruptible judges are the backbone of the society. |
| indebted | Owing gratitude for a service or favour. I am indebted to her for her help in indexing my book. |
| justified | Having, done for, or marked by a good or legitimate reason. The output is left justified. |
| legally | By law; conforming to the law. The weapons were purchased legally. |
| legitimize | Make legitimate. Voters legitimize the government through the election of public officials. |
| liable | Likely to do or to be something. Non resident trustees are liable to the basic rate of tax. |
| manumission | Release from slavery. Manumission documents from the Slavery Chancellery. |
| morally | With respect to moral principles. People expected the government to behave morally. |
| must | Used in ironic questions expressing irritation. A book that is must reading. |
| obligated | Caused by law or conscience to follow a certain course. Felt obligated to repay the kindness. |
| partaker | A person who consumes or indulges in something. A partaker of dark chocolate. |
| recyclable | A substance or object that can be recycled. The containers are recyclable. |
| required | Required by rule. Eight editions were published each required reading for trainees. |
| responsibility | The opportunity or ability to act independently and take decisions without authorization. A true leader takes responsibility for their team and helps them achieve goals. |
| reusable | Able to be used again or more than once. Reusable shopping bags. |
| sustainable | Able to be upheld or defended. Sustainable definitions of good educational practice. |
If you’re the responsible one, everyone is depending on you to take care of it. And, if things go poorly, it’s all your fault.
Sounds like a drag to be responsible but really it is what we all want out of life. After all, when you’re responsible, you get the keys to the car, you make your own decisions, and you get all the credit. Parents love the responsible babysitter who doesn’t text with her friends and feed the kids bowls of ice cream. Of course, the boy who is responsible for bringing firecrackers to the football game will not be looked upon with the same level of respect. Responsibility can bring all the glory, but all the blame too.
Definitions of responsible
-
adjective
worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable
“a
responsible adult”“responsible journalism”
“a
responsible position”“the captain is
responsible for the ship’s safety”“the cabinet is
responsible to the parliament”-
Synonyms:
-
obligated
caused by law or conscience to follow a certain course
-
prudent
careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment
-
accountable
liable to account for one’s actions
-
answerable
morally or legally responsible to a higher authority
-
amenable
liable to answer to a higher authority
-
liable
held legally responsible
-
trustworthy
taking responsibility for one’s conduct and obligations
-
trustworthy, trusty
worthy of trust or belief
-
obligated
-
adjective
having an acceptable credit rating
“a
responsible borrower”-
synonyms:
creditworthy
-
trustworthy, trusty
worthy of trust or belief
-
trustworthy, trusty
-
adjective
being the agent or cause
“determined who was the
responsible party”“termites were
responsible for the damage”-
synonyms:
responsible for
-
causative
producing an effect
-
causative
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘responsible’.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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- British
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
[ ri-spon-suh-buhl ]
/ rɪˈspɒn sə bəl /
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
adjective
answerable or accountable, as for something within one’s power, control, or management (often followed by to or for): He is responsible to the president for his decisions.
involving accountability or responsibility, as in having the power to control or manage: promoted to a responsible position in the firm.
chargeable with being the author, cause, or occasion of something (usually followed by for): Termites were responsible for the damage.
having a capacity for moral decisions and therefore accountable; capable of rational thought or action: The defendant is not responsible for his actions.
able to discharge obligations or pay debts.
reliable or dependable, as in meeting debts, conducting business dealings, etc.
(of a government, member of a government, government agency, or the like) answerable to or serving at the discretion of an elected legislature or the electorate.
QUIZ
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Which sentence is correct?
Origin of responsible
1590–1600; <Latin respōns(us) (see response) + -ible
OTHER WORDS FROM responsible
re·spon·si·ble·ness, nounre·spon·si·bly, adverbin·ter·re·spon·si·ble, adjectivenon·re·spon·si·ble, adjective
non·re·spon·si·ble·ness, nounnon·re·spon·si·bly, adverbpre·re·spon·si·ble, adjectivequa·si-re·spon·si·ble, adjectivequa·si-re·spon·si·bly, adverbsu·per·re·spon·si·ble, adjectivesu·per·re·spon·si·ble·ness, nounsu·per·re·spon·si·bly, adverbun·re·spon·si·ble, adjectiveun·re·spon·si·ble·ness, nounun·re·spon·si·bly, adverb
Words nearby responsible
responser, response time, response variable, responsibilities, responsibility, responsible, responsion, responsive, responsiveness, responsor, responsory
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Words related to responsible
answerable, culpable, guilty, important, liable, pledged, subject, able, capable, competent, conscientious, effective, efficient, loyal, rational, reliable, sensible, at fault, at the helm, authoritative
How to use responsible in a sentence
-
Authorities should carry out a thorough investigation to find those responsible and give justice to Jeanine.
-
This means that for this particular account, we used to not know which search queries were responsible for about 20% of costs.
-
It is responsible for the deaths of over 905,000 people around the world, and more than 190,000 people in the United States alone.
-
The team is responsible for cranking out hundreds of millions of devices from Asia and shipping them across the world.
-
If the question is which individual country is responsible for the most emissions, it’s the US, at almost double its nearest competitor, China.
-
“Mona Iraqi is responsible for 25 families losing their lives,” he said, speaking figuratively.
-
If Uber did actually mislead its customers, it should certainly be held responsible.
-
Nor am I particularly responsible with my personal finances.
-
The Guaraldi music is certainly at least 50 percent responsible for A Charlie Brown Christmas becoming as iconic as it has.
-
Students deemed “responsible” for alleged sexual assaults on college campuses can face little or no consequence for their acts.
-
But if God made man, then God is responsible for all man’s acts and thoughts, and therefore man cannot sin against God.
-
Then came the strange note this morning, which I believe you, Miss Joyce, are responsible for!
-
He came later, and Harry, the black-haired boy, was mainly responsible for his coming.
-
This contrast implies a great wrong somewhere, and for which somebody must be responsible.
-
Its resolution will be put into practice with all fidelity by the executive power in its character of responsible government.
British Dictionary definitions for responsible
adjective
(postpositive usually foll by for) having control or authority (over)
(postpositive foll by to) being accountable for one’s actions and decisions (to)to be responsible to one’s commanding officer
(of a position, duty, etc) involving decision and accountability
(often foll by for) being the agent or cause (of some action)to be responsible for a mistake
able to take rational decisions without supervision; accountable for one’s own actionsa responsible adult
able to meet financial obligations; of sound credit
Derived forms of responsible
responsibleness, nounresponsibly, adverb
Word Origin for responsible
C16: from Latin rēsponsus, from rēspondēre to respond
Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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