accountability

American  

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

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.

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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

• nonaccountability noun

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

You cannot build a parallel system of journalistic accountability and expect it to matter if the people you are trying to regulate simply opt out.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

“What we saw here was a coordinated, multi-agency effort to avoid accountability and judicial review,” she said in a statement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

She writes from a place that’s a tangle of personal struggle, accountability and owning the pain.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Morgan said she was "absolutely" ready "to take accountability and responsibility" for the NHS.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

I spoke at local meetings and tried to sensitize people to the need to insist on accountability from law enforcement.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

• liability