accountable

American  

[uh-koun-tuh-buhl] / əˈkaʊn tə bəl /

adjective

1. subject to the obligation to report, explain, or justify something; responsible; answerable.

2. capable of being explained; explicable; explainable.

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accountable British  

/ əˈkaʊntəbəl /

adjective

1. responsible to someone or for some action; answerable

2. able to be explained

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Usage

What does accountable mean? Accountable means obligated to explain, justify, and take responsibility for one's actions, and to answer to someone, such as a person with more authority. The state of being accountable is accountability. The word accountable is often used in the context of individuals taking responsibility for their actions. It’s 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. Accountable is often used with the verb hold, as in We need to hold him accountable for his actions. Example: The system of checks and balances is intended to keep the different branches of government accountable.

Other Word Forms

• accountability
  noun
• accountableness
  noun
• nonaccountable
  adjective
• accountably
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of accountable

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English; account + -able

Explanation

If you're responsible for your own actions, you are accountable for them. You are accountable for your behavior in school. So even if your friend throws pudding at you at lunch, you don't have the right to fling mystery meat back. Accountable comes from the word "account," which is itself from the Old French word acont, meaning to count (as in money). While you can be accountable for monetary damages, you're most likely to be held accountable for your actions and behavior, and the actions of your children and pets. If your dog bites another dog, you may be accountable for any vet bills incurred by the other dog's owner.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

accountable

"Our administration will continue to ensure that every New Yorker is safe in their city - and hold accountable any who threaten that," he said.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

The question is whether utilities are being held accountable for pursuing the most cost-effective, resilient solutions first so consumers get the reliable, affordable energy system they deserve.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026

While much of the blame for this omission can be squarely placed on Infantino as the longtime leader of the association, the soccer clubs themselves must also be held accountable.

From Salon ● Jul. 18, 2026

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday that Trump would hold Iran "accountable" for going back on its word, but said "he is always open to diplomacy at the very same time".

From Barron's ● Jul. 17, 2026

And eventually he nodded slightly and said, “You want to take responsibility for what you have done, and you find it difficult to do that, to feel fully accountable if you cannot remember it?”

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

Related Words

• answerable
• culpable
• liable
• obliged