adj. 1 (often foll. by to, for) liable to be called to account (to a person or for a thing). 2 morally accountable for one's actions; capable of rational conduct. 3 of good credit, position, or repute; respectable; evidently trustworthy. 4 (often foll. by for) being the primary cause (a short circuit was responsible for the power failure). 5 (of a ruler or government) not autocratic. 6 involving responsibility (a responsible job). responsibleness n. responsibly adv.
[ obs. F f. L respondere: see RESPOND ]