noun

duties

DYOO-teez

Duties (noun) means plural of duty: the specific tasks and responsibilities a person is required to carry out as part of a job or role. Example: “Her duties include opening the shop and cashing up at close.”

noun

Plural of duty: the specific tasks and responsibilities a person is required to carry out as part of a job or role.

"Her duties include opening the shop and cashing up at close."

"He was relieved of his duties pending an investigation."

Plural of duty: taxes charged by a government on goods, especially goods being imported or exported.

"Customs duties on imported steel rose sharply this year."

"You pay no duties on goods bought within the trade bloc."

Plural of duty: moral obligations, the things a person feels bound to do.

"He spoke of the duties we owe to future generations."

How to Use Duties

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe jobs you have to do, or taxes charged on goods.

Memory tip

Note the spelling change: duty becomes duties, not 'dutys'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

duty → tariffs taxes obligations

Common pairings

duties include official duties light duties customs duties duties and responsibilities relieved of his duties

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “duties” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her _____ include opening the shop and cashing up at close.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman 'duete', from Old French 'deu' (owed), ultimately from Latin 'debere' (to owe).

Origin: Anglo-Norman

Synonyms

View more →

responsibilities tasks obligations functions remit tariffs levies customs charges excise moral obligations commitments

Related Words

tax strike Fees scope customs jurisdiction liabilities assert

Rhymes for duties

lies Dies flies Aries Fries series ladies rabies undies Davies movies Indies

See all rhymes for duties →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between duties and responsibilities?

Duties are the concrete tasks you are required to perform, such as filing reports or locking up. Responsibilities are the broader outcomes you are answerable for, such as the safety of the team. In job adverts the two words are often used interchangeably.

What are customs duties?

They are taxes a government charges on goods crossing its border, usually on imports. The rate depends on the type of goods and where they come from, and the importer normally pays before the shipment is released.

People Also Searched

tax strike Fees scope customs jurisdiction liabilities assert