obligation meaning
â¢ OBLIGATION (noun) The noun OBLIGATION has 4 senses: 1. the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force. 2. the state of being obligated to do or pay something. 3. a personal relation in which one is indebted for a service or favor. 4. a legal agreement specifying a payment or action and the penalty for failure to comply. Familiarity information: OBLIGATION used as a noun is uncommon.