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
• accountably adverb
• nonaccountable adjective

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

Tessa Gregory, the human rights lawyer, said the state needed to be held accountable and a statutory public inquiry would have the power to compel witnesses and look at these issues in detail.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Yes, they have shareholders, they have boards, people they have to be accountable to, but they can also make independent decisions.

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026

But Dressel wants to hold Bayer accountable and for the company to admit that it marketed a potentially dangerous product.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

A landmark decision last month in Los Angeles County Superior Court could reshape how tech companies are held accountable for harm to children from their products.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

Along the way, we'd work to hold the business community accountable for its decision making around issues impacting children's health.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• answerable
• culpable
• liable
• obliged