responsible

 
Pronunciation: /rɪˈspɒnsɪb(ə)l/

adjective

  • 1 [predic.] having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part of one’s job or role: the cabinet minister responsible for Education
  • (responsible to) having to report to (a superior) and be answerable to them for one’s actions: the Prime Minister and cabinet are responsible to Parliament
  • 2being the primary cause of something and so able to be blamed or credited for it: Gooch was responsible for 198 of his side’s 542 runs
  • morally accountable for one’s behaviour: the progressive emergence of the child as a responsible being
  • 3(of a job or position) involving important duties, independent decision-making, or control over others: she had risen rapidly to a high and responsible position in the civil service
  • capable of being trusted: a responsible adult

Derivatives

responsibleness

noun

responsibly

adverb

Origin:

late 16th century (in the sense 'answering to, corresponding'): from obsolete French responsible, from Latin respons- 'answered, offered in return', from the verb respondere (see respond)

Spelling help

The ending of responsible is spelled -ible.