While apologising a speaker says that a mistake occurred but accepts no responsibility. Why will the apology seem weak?

Correct answer: Responsibility was not accepted

The governing concept is accountable and sincere verbal communication. A meaningful apology identifies the mistake, accepts responsibility, and, when appropriate, indicates how it will be corrected. Saying that a mistake happened while denying any responsibility sounds evasive, so option D is correct. Sentence length, clear tone, or whether the listener asked a question does not determine the apology’s sincerity.