B2nounformallawsociety
US/ˌɑː.bləˈɡeɪ.ʃən/
UK/ˌɒb.lɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/
something you must do because of a law, a promise or a duty
In context
Employers have a legal obligation to pay workers on time.
You are under no obligation to buy anything at the free tasting.
Many young people feel an obligation to look after their parents.
Words that go with obligation
adjective + noun
- legal obligationCompanies have a legal obligation to protect data.
- moral obligationWe have a moral obligation to help.
noun + preposition
- under no obligationYou are under no obligation to reply.
- sense of obligationHe visited out of a sense of obligation.
verb + noun
- meet obligationsThe firm could not meet its obligations.