obligation

IPA/ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃn/
KK[ˌɑbləɡˈeʃən]IPA/ˌɑːblɪˈɡeɪʃn/

obligation — noun

  • obligationsingular
  • obligationsplural

1. the condition of being required to act in a certain way, whether by law, by a pr

1.nounB2
Definition

the condition of being required to act in a certain way, whether by law, by a promise, or by a moral or social rule.

Example

Maya signed the lease and is now under a legal obligation to pay rent monthly.

under a legal obligation to do something

Parents have a moral obligation to keep their children safe from harm.

moral / legal / contractual obligation

Common collocations
  • under an obligation
  • under no obligation
  • moral obligation
  • legal obligation
  • sense of obligation
  • feel an obligation
Synonyms
  • duty

    more general; covers what one ought to do morally or by role, not just what one is bound to do.

  • responsibility

    wider scope; includes ongoing care, not only specific bound actions.

  • commitment

    stresses a personal pledge one has chosen, rather than an external rule.

Antonyms
  • choice

    the absence of being bound; doing something freely.

  • option

    something one may do but is not required to.

Grammar Patterns

under (an/no) obligation to do something

have an/the obligation to do something

Usage Note

Often used after 'under' (under an obligation, under no obligation). Distinguish from sense 2: sense 1 names the state or pressure of being bound, while sense 2 names the specific task itself.

Common Mistakes

I have obligation to help my parents.
I have an obligation to help my parents.
countable in this sense; use 'an' or 'the'.
She is under obligation for finishing the report.
She is under an obligation to finish the report.
use 'to' + base verb after 'obligation', not 'for' + -ing.

2. a particular task or duty you have to carry out because of a promise, a contract

2.nounB2
Definition

a particular task or duty you have to carry out because of a promise, a contract, a law, or your role in a family or job.

Example

Lina balances her work obligations with caring for her elderly mother.

work / family obligations (plural)

The bank failed to meet its obligations to small business customers last year.

meet an obligation (to someone)

Common collocations
  • meet an obligation
  • fulfill an obligation
  • family obligations
  • financial obligations
  • contractual obligations
  • social obligations
Synonyms
  • duty

    everyday word for a specific task one ought to do; often less formal than obligation.

  • responsibility

    ongoing area one must look after, not always a single task.

  • commitment

    a task one has personally agreed to take on.

Antonyms
  • privilege

    something one is allowed but not required to do.

Grammar Patterns

meet / fulfill an obligation

have obligations to someone

Usage Note

Frequently appears in the plural ('obligations') when listing several duties at once. Distinguish from sense 1: pick sense 2 when you can count the duties (one obligation, several obligations); pick sense 1 when describing the abstract state of being bound.

Common Mistakes

He completed all his obligation last week.
He completed all his obligations last week.
when listing several duties, use the plural.
She fulfilled the obligation for her boss.
She fulfilled her obligation to her boss.
use 'to' + person, not 'for' + person.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe something a person ought to do, but they differ in why and how strongly. 'Obligation' stresses an external bond — a law, a contract, or a promise that ties you down, often used with 'under' (under an obligation). 'Duty' is broader and more moral, the right thing to do because of who you are (a parent's duty, a citizen's duty). 'Responsibility' covers an ongoing area you must look after, not a single task — a manager has responsibility for staff welfare. 'Commitment' is the most personal: you have chosen to give your time, energy, or word. Compare: 'I have a legal obligation to file taxes' (the law binds me), 'It is my duty to vote' (a citizen's role), 'Childcare is my responsibility this week' (the area I oversee), and 'Coaching every Saturday is a real commitment' (a personal pledge).

obligation ↗duty ↗responsibility ↗commitment ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • sense of obligation
  • moral obligation
  • legal obligation
  • family obligations
  • financial obligations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • meet your obligations
  • fulfill an obligation
  • be under no obligation

Prepositions

  • under (an) obligation
  • obligation to (someone)
  • obligation toward (someone)

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

Came into English in the 14th century from Old French 'obligation', which traces back to Latin 'obligatio', a noun built on 'obligare' meaning to tie or bind to something. The Latin verb itself joins 'ob-' (toward) with 'ligare' (to bind), the same root behind 'ligature' and 'ligament'. The original image — being literally bound — still shapes the modern sense of being held to a duty.