deny responsibility
The company tried to deny responsibility for the environmental damage.
The company refused to accept blame for causing pollution.
To refuse to acknowledge or accept accountability for one's actions or decisions, often to avoid consequences or blame.
The CEO denied responsibility for the financial scandal, shifting blame to junior employees.
The CEO refused to accept accountability for the financial misconduct, instead blaming lower-level staff.
Common in legal and corporate contexts where accountability is questioned.
To reject the notion that one is at fault or responsible for a negative outcome.
He denied responsibility for the failed project, claiming external factors were to blame.
He refused to admit fault for the project's failure, attributing it to outside influences.
Often used in personal or interpersonal conflicts to avoid admitting fault.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Use
In formal contexts (e.g., legal or corporate), 'deny responsibility' is often used to describe deliberate evasion of blame. In informal settings, it may describe personal avoidance of accountability.
Gold Rule
Legal Implications
In legal contexts, denying responsibility can have serious consequences, such as liability or reputational damage.
Word Origin
From 'deny' (to refuse to admit) + 'responsibility' (the state of being accountable). The phrase combines these concepts to describe refusal to accept blame.
Usage Notes
Often used in formal or professional settings, such as legal disputes or corporate scandals. Can imply evasion or dishonesty if used to avoid justified blame.