responsible

If you are this, something happened because of what you did.

• Who is responsible for this mess?
• She was partly responsible for our success.
• Faulty wiring was responsible for the fire.

How to use it: responsible for something (The storm was responsible for the damage.)

Common phrases: responsible for something, partly responsible, directly responsible, largely responsible

If you are this, it is your duty to look after something and deal with problems.

• She is responsible for the children.
• Who is responsible for fixing the roof?
• Each driver is responsible for checking the vehicle.

How to use it: responsible for someone/something (The manager is responsible for staff safety.); responsible for doing something (I am responsible for locking the doors.)

Similar words: in charge, accountable

Common phrases: responsible for something, person responsible, responsible manager, legally responsible

Someone like this makes sensible choices and can be trusted to do important things properly.

• Ben is a responsible young man.
• We need a responsible adult to supervise.
• Buying only what you need is responsible behaviour.

Similar words: sensible, reliable, dependable

Opposites: irresponsible

Common phrases: responsible adult, responsible behaviour, responsible person