obligation
noun
LAW uk/ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃən/ us [ C or U ]
a legal or moral duty to do something:
a legal/moral obligation
an obligation to do sth There is a legal obligation to publish accounts.
We have an obligation to generate value for our shareholders.
an obligation to sb Under bankruptcy law, the company has an obligation to creditors.
be under (an) obligation You are under no obligation to accept damaged goods.
obligations [ plural ]
things that you must do or pay because of a law, rule, agreement, etc.:
impose/place obligations on sb The law imposes certain obligations on public authorities.
fulfil/meet your obligations He has fulfilled the obligations of his current contract.
contractual/financial/statutory obligations Failure to meet contractual obligations may result in legal action.
without obligation
COMMERCE, LAW
used to say that someone can look at or try a product or service without having to buy it:
Auction houses will usually examine and place a price on your item without obligation.
This mortgage advice is completely free and without obligation.
See also
tax obligation