English Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition responsible in British English

responsible adjective

adjective
/rɪˈspɒnsəb(ə)l/

Don’t use the preposition of after the adjective responsible. Use for:

✗ Parents must be responsible of their children’s behaviour.

✓ Parents must be responsible for their children’s behaviour.

✗ When an animal creates a problem, it is the owner who is responsible of this.

✓ When an animal creates a problem, it is the owner who is responsible for this.

You can also use the pattern responsible for doing something:

He was responsible for ensuring that the organization maintained its independence.

1

deserving to be blamed for something that has happened

Example

Parents feel responsible when things go wrong.

Example

The farmer was held responsible for the damage done by his animals.

Example

How long will they be in prison if they are found responsible?

Synonyms and related words
1.1

if something or someone is responsible for a situation or event, they are the cause of it

Example

The chemical is directly responsible for those deaths.

Example

He was responsible for the accident.

Synonyms and related words
2

someone who is responsible for someone or something is in charge of them and must make sure that what they do or what happens to them is right or satisfactory

Example

The manager is responsible for the general running of the theatre.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

a responsible job or position is one in which you have to make important decisions or be in charge of a lot of people

Synonyms and related words
3

sensible, reliable, and able to be trusted to do the right thing

Example

She may be only 14, but she's very responsible.

3.1

used about people's behaviour or attitudes

Example

Schools have adopted a very responsible attitude towards the problem.

Definition responsible in British English