accountable

[uh-koun-tuh-buhl]

adjective

1. subject to the obligation to report, explain, or justify something; responsible; answerable.

2. capable of being explained; explicable; explainable.

accountable

/ əˈkaʊntəbəl /

adjective

1. responsible to someone or for some action; answerable

2. able to be explained

Other Word Forms

• accountableness noun
• accountably adverb
• nonaccountable adjective
• accountability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of accountable¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English; account + -able

Example Sentences

Georgieva said governments must continue to support growth by providing “the basic building blocks of free markets,” including “good data” and “independent yet accountable institutions.”

Read more on Wall Street Journal

It is very unusual to see the chief executive of a private company questioned quite so forcibly by politicians in a parliament to which they are not accountable.

Read more on BBC

“You talk about a kid that did a 360. He’s representing what I believe is important to being a captain — dedication, holding people accountable. He’s doing everything right.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The law “will be essential to holding accountable those who use excessive force against members of the public,” Bonner wrote.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Our office is committed to holding these youths accountable and ensuring that justice is delivered for the victims and our community.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• answerable 
• culpable 
• liable 
• obliged 

When To Use

What does accountable mean?

Accountable means obligated to explain, justify, and take responsibility for one's actions, and to answer to someone, such as a person with more authority.The state of being accountable is accountability.The word accountable is often used in the context of individuals taking responsibility for their actions. It’s 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.Accountable is often used with the verb hold, as in We need to hold him accountable for his actions. Example: The system of checks and balances is intended to keep the different branches of government accountable.