obligationob·li·ga·tion /ˌɒbləˈgeɪʃənˌɑːb-/ noun [countableC, uncountableU]1a legal or moral duty to do somethingobligation to do somethingI think companies should have a legal obligation to recycle their products at the ends of their lives.
It’s our obligation to provide a telephone service at the lowest possible cost.
We’ve fulfilled our obligation to the creditors and shareholders.
The firm failed to meet its contractual obligations (=do what the contract said it should do).
→ financial obligations2be under an obligation to have to do something because it is a legal or moral dutyThe water company is under an obligation to enhance drinking water standards.
be under no obligation to do somethingThe government is under no obligation to finance the museum.
3without obligation if you are invited to look at a product or service without obligation, you can look at it without having to buy itThis mortgage advice is completely free and without obligation.