duty
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for duty, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Something a person is morally or legally obligated to do.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use duty
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English duete, ultimately from "due" — something owed — plus the noun-forming ending "-ty."
Full origin of duty →Frequently asked questions
What does “duty” mean?
The word “duty” means something a person is morally or legally obligated to do. In plain terms, an obligation you're expected to fulfil, a tax on goods, or being actively at work.
How do you pronounce “duty”?
“Duty” is pronounced DYOO-tee (/ˈdjuː.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “duty” in a sentence?
Here is “duty” used in a sentence: “It's a nurse's duty to care for every patient equally.”
What is the opposite of “duty”?
The opposite of “duty” — its antonyms — are duty-free and right.
What part of speech is “duty”?
“Duty” is a noun.
Where does the word “duty” come from?
The word “duty” comes from Middle English. From Middle English duete, ultimately from "due" — something owed — plus the noun-forming ending "-ty.".
Is “duty” a common word?
“Duty” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “duty” have?
“Duty” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something a person is morally or legally obligated to do.
What is the difference between duty and responsibility?
A duty is something you are morally or legally obliged to do, often fixed by a role, law, or code. A responsibility is something you are accountable for, which can be broader and sometimes chosen. Duties tend to be specific obligations; responsibilities cover the wider things you are answerable for and expected to manage.
What is the difference between duty and obligation?
The two are close in meaning. An obligation is anything you are bound to do, whether a one-off commitment or a legal requirement. A duty is usually a deeper, ongoing obligation tied to morality or a role, such as a duty of care. Every duty is an obligation, but not every obligation feels like a duty.
What are the types of duty?
Duties are often split into moral duties, which conscience or ethics demand, and legal duties, which the law enforces. Civic duties, such as obeying laws or serving on a jury, fall under this too. In a workplace, 'duties' also means the specific tasks a role requires you to carry out.
What does it mean to be 'on duty'?
Being on duty means you are actively at work or assigned to a particular task, ready to act — as with a doctor, officer, or lifeguard on shift. The opposite, off duty, means you are not currently working. Here 'duty' refers to an assigned period of responsibility rather than a moral obligation.