accountability

American  

[uh-kaun-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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of accountability

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

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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

AI ethicists have dismissed attempts to treat AI systems as autonomous agents as creative ways for the AI labs to skirt accountability for the harm their software causes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026

Raman had endorsed Bass for another term before shifting gears and jumping into the race in February, saying the city needed more accountability.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 31, 2026

The time may have arrived, judging at least from your letter, to formalize the roles family members and employees have in his life, and that comes with accountability.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 30, 2026

The energy ministry subsequently said the sub-par petrol had reached markets due to an "operational error", pledging accountability and compensation for affected motorists.

From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2026

They knew we were fresh meat, and in this setting there was no 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

"As part of this process, we are redefining roles and accountabilities to remove duplication and simplify structures," he said.

From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2024

“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

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Related Words

• liability

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