diminish responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "diminish responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of reducing or lessening someone's accountability or obligation in a particular situation. Example: "The new policy may inadvertently diminish responsibility among team members, leading to a lack of ownership in their tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Legal definitions of insanity still focus on psychosis, the delusions of which are held to diminish responsibility.

The New Yorker

Unlike prison, which tends to diminish responsibility and increase dependence, they succeed in enabling vulnerable women to take responsibility for their lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is our hope that widespread acceptance of rational and valid neuroscientific evaluations that are tailored to legal standards will enhance the validity of sound exculpatory defenses while decreasing the inappropriate use of science to diminish responsibility.

Harvard University

Subsequent research projects will involve determining how courts in the United States view and treat neuroscientific evidence in a criminal context and how the public perceives neuroscientific evidence presented to diminish responsibility.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

See also diminished responsibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Are you saying Mr Pistorius had diminished responsibility?," Nel asked.

Independent

The English Homicide Act of 1957 also recognizes diminished responsibility, though to less effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He had claimed diminished responsibility for the killings, which he filmed on his iPhone.

The Guardian

His lawyers had argued he should have been found guilty not of murder, but of manslaughter on the grounds of loss of control or diminished responsibility.

The Guardian

The decisions came in the context of accumulating scientific evidence about increased impulsivity and diminished responsibility because of adolescent brain development.

The Washington Post

In England and Wales, manslaughter can also result from a murder charge when a partial defence is proven: this can include a mental condition that diminishes responsibility for the crime, or where there has been a "loss of control".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diminish responsibility" when you want to express that someone's accountability is being lessened, often due to mitigating circumstances or external factors.

Common error

While "diminish responsibility" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in extremely formal or legal writing. Alternatives like "reduce accountability" or "lessen obligation" may provide a more precise or appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diminish responsibility" functions as a verb phrase where 'diminish' (verb) acts upon 'responsibility' (noun). It describes the action of reducing or lessening the extent of someone's accountability. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "diminish responsibility" is used to describe a lessening of accountability, often in situations involving mitigating circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for use, though it appears infrequently. Its primary contexts include News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias, suggesting a formal to neutral register. Related phrases, like "reduce accountability" and "lessen obligation", offer similar meanings but may carry slightly different connotations. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and whether a more direct or nuanced alternative might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce accountability

Focuses on the act of lessening the obligation to answer for one's actions.

lessen obligation

Emphasizes the reduction of a duty or requirement.

mitigate culpability

Highlights the process of reducing blame or guilt.

weaken accountability

Indicates a reduction in the strength or enforceability of responsibility.

alleviate liability

Focuses on easing or relieving legal responsibility.

curtail obligation

Suggests limiting or restricting a duty.

soften accountability

Implies making responsibility less harsh or severe.

reduce liability

Emphasizes lowering the legal responsibility for damages or debts.

decrease accountability

Highlights a decline in the level of responsibility held.

dilute responsibility

Implies weakening or lessening the impact of responsibility through division or other means.

FAQs

How can I use "diminish responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "diminish responsibility" to describe situations where accountability is lessened. For example: "The evidence presented aimed to "diminish responsibility" for the accident."

What are some alternatives to "diminish responsibility"?

Alternatives include "reduce accountability", "lessen obligation", or "mitigate culpability", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "reduce responsibility" or "diminish responsibility"?

"Reduce responsibility" and "diminish responsibility" are largely interchangeable, but "reduce" may sound slightly more direct. Choose the one that fits best with the overall tone of your writing.

In what context is "diminish responsibility" typically used?

"Diminish responsibility" is often used in legal, ethical, or professional contexts to discuss factors that lessen someone's accountability for an action or outcome.