accountability
Americannoun
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the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable.
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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
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.
Vocabulary lists containing accountability
The Hate U Give
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The Other Wes Moore
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President Trump's First State of The Union Address (2018)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Without an independent, locally rooted voice to challenge and represent communities, there is a risk of duplication and gaps in accountability," the LGA said.
From BBC • May 30, 2026
“I think we really need to be wary of creating new police departments in general, but especially without a clear case and clear constraints and accountability mechanisms.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026
Security was heightened around the institution as crowds gathered demanding swift action and accountability over the incident.
From BBC • May 29, 2026
Brock ran for state office, promising election integrity and judicial accountability, and lost.
From Slate • May 28, 2026
“In this climate of heightened accountability, some believe that schools will give instructional time only to subjects that are included in high-stakes testing,” it states.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
