[re.spon.si.ble] adj (1643) 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 ~ for the job" (2): being the cause or explanation "mechanical defects were ~ 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 "~ financial policies" "a ~ job"
4: politically answerable; esp: required to submit to the electorate if defeated by the legislature--used esp. of the British cabinet -- re.spon.si.ble.ness n -- re.spon.si.bly adv syn responsible, answerable, accountable, amenable, liable mean subject to being held to account. responsible implies holding a specific office, duty, or trust "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".