Obligation

An obligation is a duty or commitment to perform some action or behave in a certain way, stemming from a legal, moral, or social requirement. It implies a binding responsibility, which can be formal (like a contract) or informal (like a promise). It often involves a sense of being bound to something, whether it's a repayment, a service, or a specific course of action. Failure to fulfill an obligation can lead to negative consequences, such as legal penalties, social disapproval, or feelings of guilt.

Obligation meaning with examples

• As a doctor, she felt a strong moral obligation to care for her patients, even in difficult circumstances. She stayed late many nights to ensure their well-being and to provide them with the best possible care, considering their individual needs.
• The company had a contractual obligation to deliver the goods by the end of the month. Failure to meet this deadline would result in significant financial penalties, threatening the business’s reputation and future prospects.
• He felt a social obligation to attend his friend's wedding, even though he was exhausted from work. The unwritten rule of showing support in important life events bound him to participate.
• The agreement stated a financial obligation to repay the loan within a specified timeframe, along with any applicable interest. He understood the gravity of his commitment, promising consistent payments.
• An international treaty created an obligation on all signatory countries to reduce carbon emissions, which spurred significant policy debates and changes in regulations and investment.
• She expressed no real obligation to help the new employee, and thus refused to stay later to mentor them in how to conduct her tasks, which may have reflected negatively on her overall conduct at the workplace.
• The new parents had an immediate and overwhelming obligation to care for their newborn child, providing constant attention to their needs, from food to hygiene, and to create a stable home environment.
• The volunteers' obligation to support a local charity was driven by their desire to help the underprivileged community and to improve the livelihoods of the inhabitants. These actions were entirely selfless.