Definition of duty

Short definition: The word duty means something you are responsible for doing, whether it is part of your job, your role in a family, or a promise you feel you should keep, even when it is not always easy or fun.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word duty? The word duty is often used when talking about responsibility, work, and moral obligation. You will hear it in offices, schools, families, and even in serious conversations about honor and service. Sometimes duty feels heavy, sometimes it feels meaningful, but it almost always connects to the idea of doing what you are supposed to do. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, so it feels real, human, and easy to understand.

Forms: duty, duties
Related: responsible adj., obligation n., serve v.
Syllable: du-ty

1. (Noun) Something you are expected to do because it is your responsibility or role.

   Duty means a task or responsibility that you are supposed to take care of, whether at work, at home, or in society. It can include daily tasks, professional roles, or personal promises that you feel responsible for completing.

   It is my duty to finish this report today.
   She takes her duty as a teacher very seriously.
   He feels it is his duty to support his family.

   Synonyms: responsibility, obligation, task, role, assignment, job, charge, commitment, mission, function, expectation, requirement
   Antonyms: freedom, choice, option, leisure, break, rest, release, exemption, privilege, liberty, relaxation, free time

2. (Noun) A moral or personal obligation to do what feels right.

   Duty can also mean a strong feeling inside that tells you what you should do, even when it is not easy. In this sense, duty is connected to values, honesty, and doing the right thing for others.

   She felt it was her duty to tell the truth.
   He stayed because of a sense of duty.
   Sometimes duty means choosing what is right over what is easy.

   Synonyms: moral obligation, sense of responsibility, conscience, honor, principle, ethics, inner duty, moral task, right thing, personal mission, moral role, ethical responsibility
   Antonyms: selfishness, carelessness, irresponsibility, neglect, indifference, dishonor, avoidance, moral weakness, apathy, lack of care, thoughtlessness, laziness

3. (Noun) Work done as part of a job, especially in public service or the military.

   In professional and official contexts, duty often refers to work done as part of serving others, such as police duty, military duty, or hospital duty. It highlights service, discipline, and commitment to a role.

   The officer is on duty tonight.
   He returned to duty after his recovery.
   Nurses do their duty even in difficult conditions.

   Synonyms: service, shift, assignment, post, responsibility at work, official role, service task, work duty, professional duty, public service, active duty, job role
   Antonyms: off duty, rest time, vacation, break, leave, free time, holiday, relaxation, downtime, time off, absence, leisure

4. (Noun) A legal or financial obligation, such as taxes or fees that must be paid.

   Duty can also mean a required payment, especially in legal or financial situations. For example, customs duty is money paid when bringing goods into a country.

   He had to pay duty on the imported goods.
   The package was held until the duty was paid.
   Some products come with extra duty charges.

   Synonyms: tax, fee, charge, levy, tariff, payment, customs fee, import charge, legal fee, government charge, official cost, financial obligation
   Antonyms: refund, exemption, waiver, discount, free entry, no charge, tax break, duty free, zero fee, free of cost, no payment, free pass