accountability

American  

[uh-koun-tuh-bil-i-tee] / əˌkaʊn təˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

• accountabilities
  plural

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.

---

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

Derived Forms

• nonaccountability
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• accountabilities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of accountability

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

Explanation

If you take responsibility for your own actions, you show accountability. Stepping up and admitting it when you break something shows accountability. Accountability is a noun that describes accepting responsibility, and it can be personal or very public. A government has accountability for decisions and laws affecting its citizens; an individual has accountability for acts and behaviors. Sometimes, though, taking accountability means admitting you made a mistake. Punishment may result, but accountability shows ownership and a willingness to admit mistakes.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

accountability accountabilities

It said the bill shifted accountability for regulatory compliance from insurers to telematics vendors, didn’t give the agency sufficient oversight over the vendors and imposed a large regulatory burden on the department.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026

But she wanted more focus on accountability for utilities that spark the infernos, such as bans on stock buybacks, and balked at limiting damages for survivors without more public debate.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026

Regional and international observers described the election day as largely peaceful, but Zambia's Human Rights Commission has called for accountability over people whose whereabouts remain unknown following arrests and security operations around the elections.

From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026

Although the details of each case differ, all spoke of family life stopped in its tracks and a lack of accountability.

From Barron's ● Aug. 30, 2026

But I was depressed by what it represented—the hours measured, the boredom of inmates and irritation of officers, the ticking of the clock, the niggling accountability.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

BP said the restructure will clarify accountabilities and enable faster decision-making.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 9, 2026

“They’re not operating as individuals; everything is a collective approach, and there are clear accountabilities and responsibilities to the community.”

From Scientific American ● Jun. 7, 2023

“Yes, it’s a midyear election. But more importantly than that, we need accountabilities and we need to do this to keep our communities safer,” Beatty said.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 21, 2022

We have opportunities to reset expectations, build in new accountabilities and innovate beyond imagination.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 2, 2021

We have found that both ministers and senior civil servants are still somewhat in denial about their respective accountabilities.

From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2013

Related Words

• liability