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

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

The Epstein files, and what they have revealed regarding a network of those apparently high in connections but low on morals, has left people feeling angry at such unaccountable power and wealth.

From BBC

Critics say it shifts financial control away from politicians and into the hands of unaccountable arbitrators, which could lead to bloated labor costs.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

But in recent filings to state officials, fire victims and consumer advocates say the law has gone too far and made the utilities’ unaccountable for their mistakes, leading to even more fires.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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