Responsibility is the correct spelling meaning duty or accountability; responsability is not a correct word in standard English.
Many people search for “responsibility or responsability” because these two spellings look almost identical, yet only one is correct in standard English.
This confusion often appears in school essays, exams, resumes, job descriptions, emails, contracts, and professional documents.
You may have seen sentences like “This is my responsability” or “He took full responsability for the task” and wondered if responsability is an acceptable variant.
You’ll get a quick answer, learn the origin of the word, understand why people make this mistake, see correct usage in real-life examples, and receive clear advice on which spelling to use in every situation.
Responsibility or Responsability : Quick Answer
Responsibility is the correct spelling.
Responsability is incorrect in standard English.
Responsibility means a duty, obligation, or something you are accountable for.
Examples:
- ✅ It is my responsibility to finish the work.
- ❌ It is my responsability to finish the work.
- ✅ She accepted full responsibility for the mistake.
Read More :Surprize or Surprise: Which Spelling Is Correct
The Origin of Responsibility or Responsability
The word responsibility comes from the Latin word respondere, meaning to answer or respond. It entered English through French and developed the meaning of being accountable for actions or duties.
The structure of the word explains its spelling:
- response
- responsible
- responsibility
Notice that all related forms contain -sibil-, not -sabil-.
Responsability has no historical basis in English. It appears because:
- The word is long and complex
- People spell it based on pronunciation
- Learners confuse it with similar patterns in other languages
Despite how common the mistake is, responsability has never been correct in English.
British English vs American English Spelling
This is not a British vs American English difference.
Both varieties use:
- Responsibility → correct
- Responsability → incorrect
Comparison Table
| English Variety | Correct Spelling | Incorrect Spelling |
| American English | Responsibility | Responsability |
| British English | Responsibility | Responsability |
| Australian English | Responsibility | Responsability |
| Global English | Responsibility | Responsability |
There is no regional variation for this word.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
No matter who your audience is, the rule stays the same.
- Academic writing: Responsibility
- Business writing: Responsibility
- Legal documents: Responsibility
- Casual writing: Responsibility
There is no situation where responsability is acceptable.
If the sentence talks about duty, accountability, or obligation, always use responsibility.
Common Mistakes with Responsibility or Responsability
These errors appear very frequently:
- ❌ It is your responsability to inform us.
✅ It is your responsibility to inform us. - ❌ He took responsability for the error.
✅ He took responsibility for the error. - ❌ Parents have a big responsability.
✅ Parents have a big responsibility.
Helpful tip:
If the word relates to being responsible, the correct spelling is always responsibility.
Responsibility or Responsability in Everyday Examples
Emails
- “This task is your responsibility.”
News
- “The minister accepted responsibility for the decision.”
Social Media
- “Taking responsibility for your actions matters.”
Formal Writing
- “Students must understand their academic responsibility.”
Workplace
- “Safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Responsibility or Responsability : Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trend data shows that “responsibility or responsability” is commonly searched in:
- South Asia
- Middle East
- ESL-learning regions
The confusion appears mostly in:
- Exam writing
- Resume and cover letter preparation
- Professional and legal communication
Responsibility is used millions of times across books, legal texts, academic papers, and official documents. Responsability appears almost entirely in spelling mistakes and learner searches. Interest spikes during exam seasons and job application periods, showing strong user intent to use correct English.
Comparison Table: Responsibility vs Responsability
| Word | Meaning | Correct Usage |
| Responsibility | Duty or obligation | ✅ Correct |
| Responsability | No meaning in standard English | ❌ Incorrect |
FAQs: Responsibility or Responsability
1. Is “responsability” ever correct?
No. It is not a recognized English spelling.
2. Is responsibility a noun?
Yes. It is a noun.
3. Is responsibility spelled the same in British and American English?
Yes. The spelling is identical.
4. Why do people spell it as responsability?
Because they spell it based on pronunciation.
5. What is the adjective form of responsibility?
Responsible.
6. What is the plural form of responsibility?
Responsibilities.
7. Is responsibility formal or informal?
It is suitable for both formal and informal writing.
Conclusion
The confusion between responsibility or responsability is very common, but the rule is simple. Responsibility is the only correct spelling in modern English. It is used consistently in American, British, and global English to describe duty, accountability, or obligation.
Responsability is a spelling error with no accepted meaning. Using it in exams, resumes, or professional writing can make your work look careless and reduce credibility. Because the word appears so often in formal contexts, spelling it correctly is especially important.
To avoid mistakes, remember this rule:
If the word relates to being responsible or accountable, the correct spelling is always responsibility.
Mastering long and tricky spellings like this improves your English accuracy, confidence, and professionalism.
I am Mignon Fogarty, an American author and language expert also known as “Grammar Girl.”
I focus on explaining grammar rules, spelling mistakes, and confusing words in a simple and friendly way.
My goal is to make correct English easy and approachable for everyday readers.
