— responsibleness , n. — responsibly , adv.
/ri spon"seuh beuhl/ , adj.
1. answerable or accountable, as for something within one's power, control, or management (often fol. by to or for ): He is responsible to the president for his decisions.
2. involving accountability or responsibility: a responsible position.
3. chargeable with being the author, cause, or occasion of something (usually fol. by for ): Termites were responsible for the damage.
4. having a capacity for moral decisions and therefore accountable; capable of rational thought or action: The defendant is not responsible for his actions.
5. able to discharge obligations or pay debts.
6. reliable or dependable, as in meeting debts, conducting business dealings, etc.
7. (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.
[ 1590-1600; respons ( us ) (see RESPONSE) + -IBLE ]
Syn. 1. liable. 4. competent. 5. solvent. 6. honest, capable, reliable, trustworthy.