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

Example Sentences

Residents of west Altadena are escalating calls for answers and accountability a year after officials failed to issue their community timely evacuation alerts and deploy needed firefighting resources.

From Los Angeles Times

The group said it is “critical” to preserve the Fed’s independence, “with full respect for the rule of law and democratic accountability.”

From The Wall Street Journal

A co-CEO model divides responsibility, accountability, and, ultimately, the burden between two people.

From BBC

Their success reflects grit and accountability, qualities no ranking can manufacture.

From The Wall Street Journal

“These new accountability rules will hold every single program in every single sector accountable,” said Clare McCann, managing director of policy and operations at the Postsecondary Education and Economics Research Center at American University.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• liability