rə̇ˌspän(t)səˈbiləd.ē, rēˌs-, -lətē, -i noun
( -es )
1. : the quality or state of being responsible: as
a. : moral, legal, or mental accountability
assume the responsibility for another's debt
prove the responsibility of the accused
a person completely lacking in responsibility
b. : reliability , trustworthiness ; sometimes : ability to pay
the responsibility of one seeking a loan
2. : something for which anyone is responsible or accountable
leadership carries great responsibilities
sought relief from his responsibility
a responsibility he had never asked for