accountability
Americannoun
-
the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable.
-
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
- nonaccountability noun
Etymology
Origin of accountability
First recorded in 1785–95; account(able) + -ability
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.
Beyond the personal fates they will determine, the outcome of the civil litigation Cook and others are spearheading will likely force whatever transparency and accountability can be pulled from these chaotic and troubling times.
From Los Angeles Times
‘I’m completely disgusted by the lack of accountability’: I bought a dud mattress — twice.
From MarketWatch
“We join calls for justice, accountability, freedom of speech, safety, and care for all people.”
From Los Angeles Times
We are calling for accountability, intentionality, and equity in casting and storytelling.
From Los Angeles Times
“I’m all for accountability. I mean, I had my phone tapped, so I’m all for accountability, don’t get me wrong,” Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said Wednesday after the House repealed the provision.
From Salon
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.
