declined responsibility

[dɪˈklaɪnd rɪˈspɒnsəbɪlɪti]
noun phrase / verb phrase
responsabilidade recusada
1. The act of refusing or rejecting to accept or take on a duty, obligation, or accountability for something
The company declined responsibility for the defective product and refused to offer compensation.
A empresa recusou responsabilidade pelo produto defeituoso e se recusou a oferecer compensação.
2. A formal statement or action indicating unwillingness to be held accountable for an event, decision, or outcome
After the scandal, the manager declined responsibility and blamed his subordinates.
Após o escândalo, o gerente recusou responsabilidade e culpou seus subordinados.
In Brazilian business and legal culture, 'declined responsibility' is commonly seen in corporate disputes and government scandals. In the USA, this phrase is frequently used in formal statements and legal documentation. Both cultures view the act of declining responsibility negatively, associated with lack of integrity and leadership.
NYC Slang
passing the buck
Synonyms / Sinônimos
refused responsibilitydisavowed accountabilityrejected obligationabdicated duty
Antonyms / Antônimos
accepted responsibilityassumed accountabilitytook chargeembraced duty

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
responsabilidade recusada
Most common and standard usage across Brazil
São Paulo
responsabilidade rejeitada
Alternative formal term used in business and legal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
se recusou de responsabilidade
Colloquial construction emphasizing the action of refusal
Portugal
recusa de responsabilidade
Slightly different construction emphasizing the refusal itself rather than the responsibility

Related Words

accountabilityliabilitynegligencerefusaldenialevasion

Related Idioms & Phrases

pass the buck
wash one's hands of something
cop out
dodge responsibility
shirk one's duties
avoid accountability
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