VocabDictionary
🇬🇧English to English[ir-re-spon-si-bil-i-ty]

irresponsibility

/ˌɪrɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The state or quality of being unreliable, untrustworthy, or failing to fulfill one's obligations and duties.

Example Sentences:
  • His sheer irresponsibility in handling the company's finances led to a massive deficit.
  • The manager was fired for his continued irresponsibility regarding safety protocols.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “irresponsibility” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “irresponsibility”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the prefix 'ir-' (a variant of 'in-', meaning 'not') + 'responsibility'. 'Responsibility' itself comes from the Latin 'responsus', the past participle of 'respondere' (to answer or promise in return), combined with the suffix '-ible' (capable of) and '-ity' (state or quality). The term evolved to describe the state of lacking the ability or willingness to answer for one's actions.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'I' (me) + 'responsible' + 'ity' (the state of). If you are 'ir-responsible', you are 'not' (ir) able to be trusted with a response or duty.

Frequently Asked Questions About “irresponsibility

1. What is the meaning of “irresponsibility” in English?

In English, irresponsibility (noun) is defined as: “The state or quality of being unreliable, untrustworthy, or failing to fulfill one's obligations and duties.”.

2. How do you use “irresponsibility” in a sentence?

His sheer irresponsibility in handling the company's finances led to a massive deficit.

3. What are English synonyms of “irresponsibility”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “irresponsibility”?

Derived from the prefix 'ir-' (a variant of 'in-', meaning 'not') + 'responsibility'. 'Responsibility' itself comes from the Latin 'responsus', the past participle of 'respondere' (to answer or promise in return), combined with the suffix '-ible' (capable of) and '-ity' (state or quality). The term evolved to describe the state of lacking the ability or willingness to answer for one's actions.