accountability

noun

ac·​count·​abil·​i·​ty ə-ˌkau̇n-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

: the quality or state of being accountable

… the CFO has ultimate accountability for maintaining the books and records of the company …

—The Motley Fool

especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions

demanded more accountability from public officials

The … quarterback did take accountability for his play … recognizing it as an error that can't happen at this level.

—Steven Corder

Examples of accountability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Proponents of the law said that money helps balance the state budget in the face of an expensive prison system and encourages more accountability for people who commit crimes. — Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

Beneath its upbeat production, the lyrics offer a clever reminder that accountability is rarely one-sided. — Qygwork, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026

The ruling marks the most significant judicial milestone yet in the decade-long quest for accountability over Giulio Regeni’s death. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

From there, Shaikh began to challenge Daniel on his Islamist views and to guide him toward self-reflection and accountability. — Jeff Winter, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

accountable + -ity

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above