unaccountable

American  

[uhn-uh-koun-tuh-buhl] / ˌʌn əˈkaʊn tə bəl /

adjective

1. impossible to account for; unexplained; inexplicable.

   The boat has an unaccountable tendency to yaw.

   Synonyms:

   unintelligible, mysterious, inscrutable, incomprehensible

2. exempt from being called to account; not answerable.

   As a subordinate, he is unaccountable for errors in policy.

   Synonyms:

   irresponsible, unanswerable

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unaccountable British  

/ ˌʌnəˈkaʊntəbəl /

adjective

1. allowing of no explanation; inexplicable

2. puzzling; extraordinary

   an unaccountable fear of hamburgers

3. not accountable or answerable to

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Other Word Forms

• unaccountability
  noun
• unaccountableness
  noun
• unaccountably
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of unaccountable

First recorded in 1635–45; un- ¹ + accountable

Explanation

People, especially those in leadership positions, are described as unaccountable when they behave as though they don't need to explain themselves, answer to anyone else, or take responsibility for their actions. We often complain about the need for "accountability" when our leaders spend our money, oversee our wars, or make confusing new laws without explaining to us what's going on. If there's nothing in place to keep them from being corrupt, we say that they are "unaccountable." Another interesting definition of unaccountable is "unexplainable." Crop circles, Big Foot sightings, and unidentified flying objects are mysterious and unaccountable.

Example Sentences

One important proposal: Let parents who choose to expose their wannabe-elite athlete children to unaccountable authority figures, in pursuit of college athletic scholarships and Olympic glory, do so on their own dime.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2026

But as bizarre and unaccountable as it was, Gabbard’s presence outside Atlanta did make a certain amount of sense.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

The Online Safety Act is being implemented in phases, and is intended to prevent past practices which Ofcom described as online platforms being "unregulated, unaccountable and often unwilling to prioritise people's safety over profits."

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

Yet here, a single unaccountable administrator effectively outlawed an entire way of life for responsible therapists, guides and small businesses in Hawaii.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

“I’m fine,” she said, a bit gruff due to an unaccountable ache in her throat.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Related Words

• arcane
• impenetrable
• inexplicable
• unfathomable
• unheard-of
• unintelligible