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 Words From

• nonac·counta·bili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of accountability¹

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

Example Sentences

Ultimately, disclosure laws are an essential tool for promoting transparent supply chains and corporate accountability.

From The Daily Beast

UVA prides itself on holding all students to a high standard of accountability and integrity.

From The Daily Beast

It would inject a threat of accountability into power, and upend the impunity wartime leaders had operated under for years.

From The Daily Beast

The website Bishop Accountability keeps some of the most extensive records on allegations of priestly abuse available.

From The Daily Beast

The center for Justice and Accountability in San Francisco, and other human rights organizations went to work to expand the law.

From The Daily Beast

Even in the desert the monstrous accountability system of the army lived and burgeoned.

From Project Gutenberg

Your flight and apparent escape remove my accountability to the Grand Duke for your person.

From Project Gutenberg

The inspectors of internal revenue who were found to obstruct the accountability of the institution have been discontinued.

From Project Gutenberg

Arrears so vast imply a corresponding accountability, corresponding by its amount, corresponding by its personal subjects.

From Project Gutenberg

Commercial use of the Bay is predicated on a permit system that should offer good control and accountability of the tour industry.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• liability