accountability

[uh-koun-tuh-bil-i-tee]

noun

1. the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable.

2. Education.,  a policy of holding schools and teachers accountable for students' academic progress by linking such progress with funding for salaries, maintenance, etc.

Other Word Forms

• nonaccountability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of accountability¹

First recorded in 1785–95; account(able) + -ability

Example Sentences

Still, experts say permitting private money to offset federal obligations could create problematic precedents for accountability, influence and transparency.

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“Besides skills and knowledge, homework teaches students discipline, organization, time management, responsibility, and accountability.”

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Her exit would mean the government was "serious about accountability", they added.

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But its perceived independence is as likely to shield presidents and their administrations from political accountability.

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The outrages of cancel culture and antisemitism have brought a rare gust of accountability to campus.

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Related Words

• liability 

When To Use

What does accountability mean?

Accountability is the obligation to explain, justify, and take responsibility for one's actions.Accountability is the state of being accountable, meaning responsible for something or obligated to answer to someone, such as a person with more authority, like a boss.The word accountability is often used in the context of individuals, especially in the term personal accountability. It is also commonly used in the context of institutions or people that are responsible to the public, such as the government, its agencies, politicians, and the media. Accountability is often discussed with transparency and consequences. This typically involves keeping people and organizations accountable by making their actions visible and having consequences when those actions are not acceptable.Example: The system of checks and balances is intended to ensure accountability among the different branches of government.