accountability
Americannoun
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the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable.
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Education. a policy of holding schools and teachers accountable for students' academic progress by linking such progress with funding for salaries, maintenance, etc.
Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
- nonaccountability noun
Etymology
Origin of accountability
First recorded in 1785–95; account(able) + -ability
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Justice and accountability requires a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the facts. A truly joint state and federal investigation would be a welcome development," Pretti's family said in a statement.
From BBC
"Expressing regret for causing offence is not the same as acknowledging the wider impact of words used. Leadership requires accountability as well as openness to debate."
From BBC
He added that did "not reduce the seriousness of the alleged conduct or the state's responsibility to pursue accountability".
From BBC
For advocates and civil liberties groups, the decision to drop charges and open a probe underscores persistent concerns about accountability and the narrative control of law enforcement agencies.
From Salon
Following his official naming by the Vatican in December, he pledged his continuous focus on areas of social justice and accountability.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
