Which term describes an obligation or duty for which a person is held accountable?

The term that best describes an obligation or duty for which a person is held accountable is responsibility. This concept is fundamental in understanding how individuals interact within a society or family unit. Responsibility involves being answerable for one’s actions and ensuring that duties are completed, which can pertain to both personal and professional contexts.

For instance, in a family setting, responsibilities may include taking care of household chores, being present for family members, or fulfilling commitments to one's children or partner. In the workplace, it could mean completing assigned tasks and contributing to a team’s goals. Being responsible often correlates with being reliable and trustworthy, traits that are highly valued in both personal and community relationships.

The other terms, while related to social dynamics, do not capture this sense of obligation and accountability in the same way. Rights refer to entitlements that individuals have, privileges imply special advantages that may not be universally granted, and sympathy involves feelings of pity or compassion for someone else's misfortune, which does not encompass the idea of duty or accountability.