In English vocabulary, select the option that gives the correct antonym (opposite meaning) of the word "obligation".

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of English vocabulary, specifically antonyms. The word given is "obligation". In competitive exams, words relating to responsibility, duty, and moral or legal expectations are often tested because they appear frequently in legal, social, and administrative contexts. To answer correctly, you must clearly know not only what "obligation" means but also which word expresses the opposite idea.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "obligation".
• We must find the antonym, that is, a word with opposite meaning.
• Options talk about ideas such as commitment and irresponsibility.
• Standard dictionary sense of "obligation" is assumed.

Concept / Approach:
An "obligation" is a duty, responsibility, or something that a person is bound to do, whether by law, promise, contract, or moral expectation. It implies seriousness and a sense of being answerable if the duty is not fulfilled. The antonym of such a word must therefore indicate absence of responsibility, lack of duty, or a careless attitude toward what one ought to do. In vocabulary questions, always break the word into its basic meaning, then look for the option that reverses that meaning rather than one that is merely weakly related.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of "obligation". It means a duty, responsibility, or something that must be done. Step 2: Check option "commitment". Commitment is a promise or dedication to a cause, which is very close in meaning to obligation and cannot be an antonym. Step 3: Check option "irresponsibility". Irresponsibility is a quality where someone does not accept or fulfil responsibility, and often behaves carelessly. Step 4: Observe that irresponsibility is directly opposed to the idea of having and accepting obligations. Step 5: Check "duty", "bond", and "requirement", all of which suggest some kind of obligation, link, or compulsion rather than the absence of it. Step 6: Conclude that the best antonym of "obligation" among the given options is "irresponsibility".

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute the words into an example sentence to verify. Sentence with the original word: "A doctor has an obligation to care for patients." If we try to reverse the meaning, we could say "Irresponsibility toward patients is unacceptable in a doctor." Here, "irresponsibility" directly clashes with the idea of having an obligation. By contrast, "commitment", "duty", "bond", or "requirement" would all reinforce the idea of obligations and therefore would behave like synonyms or near synonyms, not opposites. This simple test confirms that "irresponsibility" is the correct antonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Commitment" suggests strong dedication to a cause or task and is closely related to obligation. "Duty" is almost a direct synonym of obligation. "Bond" suggests a tie, connection, or binding relationship, and in many contexts can indicate something that obliges a person. "Requirement" means something that is necessary or demanded, again similar to an obligation. None of these words express the idea of carelessness or lack of duty, so they cannot serve as antonyms.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to choose a near synonym instead of a true antonym because the word feels familiar. Another pitfall is not thinking about the core meaning of the term and simply reacting to the emotional tone. Some learners may think "requirement" is negative and choose it, but the question is about opposite meaning, not about positive or negative feelings. Always slow down, define the original word in your own simple language, and then look for the option that most sharply contradicts that meaning.

Final Answer:
The antonym of "obligation" is irresponsibility.