What is the difference between obligation and responsibility

Any act by which a person becomes bound to do something to or for another, or to forbear something; external duties imposed by law, promise, or contract, by the relations of society, or by courtesy, kindness, etc. Duties extend beyond obligation, and direct the affections, desires, and intentions, as well as the actions.

The state of being obligated or bound; the state of being indebted for an act of favor or kindness; - often used with under to indicate being in that state; as, to place others under obligations to one. A bond with a condition annexed, and a penalty for nonfulfillment. In a larger sense, it is an acknowledgment of a duty to pay a certain sum or do a certain things. An obligation is a course of action that someone is required to take, whether legal or moral.

Obligations are constraints; they limit freedom. Published: 24 Apr, Obligation noun The act of binding oneself by a social, legal, or moral tie to someone. Responsibility noun The state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable. Obligation noun A social, legal, or moral requirement, duty, contract, or promise that compels someone to follow or avoid a particular course of action.

Responsibility noun A duty, obligation or liability for which someone is held accountable. Obligation noun A course of action imposed by society, law, or conscience by which someone is bound or restricted. Responsibility noun military The obligation to carry forward an assigned task to a successful conclusion.

Obligation noun legal A legal agreement stipulating a specified payment or action; the document containing such agreement. Responsibility noun military The obligation for the proper custody, care, and safekeeping of property or funds entrusted to the possession or supervision of an individual.

Obligation noun The act of obligating. Responsibility noun The state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable, as for a trust, debt, or obligation. Obligation noun That which obligates or constrains; the binding power of a promise, contract, oath, or vow, or of law; that which constitutes legal or moral duty. Responsibility noun That for which anyone is responsible or accountable; as, the resonsibilities of power.

Obligation noun Any act by which a person becomes bound to do something to or for another, or to forbear something; external duties imposed by law, promise, or contract, by the relations of society, or by courtesy, kindness, etc. Responsibility noun Ability to answer in payment; means of paying. For example, when someone says he was obliged to do something, we understand that he did it because he has no other choice. The term obligation is often used in legal and other formal contexts.

She plans to join a monastery after completing her commitments and obligations. I felt that it was my moral obligation to call the police. You have an obligation to fulfill the terms of the contract. In general, responsibility refers to something for which one is responsible. Asked 7 years, 11 months ago. Active 3 years, 1 month ago. Viewed 66k times. Improve this question. Community Bot 1. Lester Nubla Lester Nubla 1, 2 2 gold badges 10 10 silver badges 23 23 bronze badges.

Which dictionary and what are your points of confusion? More context needed as well. Also as your linked answer suggests, you can have a look first google. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer. Brad Brad 2, 1 1 gold badge 15 15 silver badges 28 28 bronze badges.

Not according to AHD, for instance. Isn't there a case to be made to say that, when you're obliged to do something given your definition , that automatically translates to responsibility? That's why I feel as if they are intertwined, and even though an obligation alone does not imply morals or ethics per se, an obligation translates to responsibility when applied to a person — Elias Van Ootegem.

What are the differences between the two words? Thanks for your help! Jacobtm Senior Member NY. Your examples are fine, and you're right that the words are simmilar. The difference for me is that a responsibility may or may not be met, wheras an obligation is something that one essentially cannot avoid doing. If you look up the verb "oblige", you will see what I mean.

For instance, when I was young I had a responsibility to take out the trash, but I didn't always do it.