irresponsibility
UK[ˌɪrɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti]US[ˌɪrɪˌspɑːnsəˈbɪləti]
n
The quality or state of not being responsible; lack of responsibility.
Morpheme Breakdown
ir
respons
ibility
ir
not
respons
answer
ibility
quality of
Etymology
The word "irresponsibility" is built upon the core concept of "responsibility," which itself originates from the Latin verb 'respondere', meaning "to answer or promise in return." The prefix 'ir-', a variant of 'in-' used before 'r', introduces negation, literally creating a sense of "not answering." The suffix '-ibility' transforms the adjective "responsible" into an abstract noun denoting the state or quality. Thus, the term's logic flows from the ancient idea of being answerable for one's actions to the modern abstract concept describing the condition of lacking such accountability.
Analysis
Structure: ir (not) + respons (answer) + ibility (quality of)
- ir: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "not" or "without".
- respons: From Latin 'respondere' (to answer, reply), representing the core concept of answerability.
- ibility: A suffix from Latin '-ibilitas', forming nouns indicating a state, quality, or condition.
Examples
His repeated irresponsibility with company funds led to his dismissal.
The report criticized the government's irresponsibility in handling the crisis.
Teenagers are sometimes accused of irresponsibility, but they often just need more guidance.