primary obligation

noun phrase

UK /ˈpraɪ.mə.ri ˌɒb.lɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/

US /ˈpraɪ.mer.i ˌɑː.bləˈɡeɪ.ʃən/

The most important job or duty that you must do first.

A student's primary obligation is to learn and do their homework.

SYNONYMS

main duty chief responsibility first duty top responsibility principal commitment

RELATED WORDS

duty responsibility commitment task accountability

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The first or most basic legal duty a person owes in a contract or agreement.

Paying the rent is the tenant's primary obligation under the lease.

3. The main thing a person is expected to take care of before anything else.

As a doctor, her primary obligation is to keep her patients safe.

4. The most important promise someone makes to another person.

A parent's primary obligation is to care for their child.