1. answerable to somebody: accountable to somebody for an action or for the successful carrying out of a duty Jo was responsible for that phase of the project.
2. being to blame for something: being the cause of something, usually something wrong or disapproved of Who's responsible for this mess?
3. important: conferring the authority to make decisions independently and requiring conscientiousness and trustworthiness in a responsible position
4. reliable: able to be counted on owing to qualities of conscientiousness and trustworthiness very responsible for his age
5. finance financially sound: having adequate means to meet financial obligations
[Late 16th century. < obsolete French, "corresponding" < Latin respons-, past participle of respondere (see respond)]
