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
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
Steven Corder Examples of accountability in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Gore said in a statement that because the project has encountered issues, the department has been making efforts to improve transparency and accountability.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 18 Mar. 2026
The replacement of district leaders comes after a 10-month saga involving appeals from the district attempting to stop state intervention, which was triggered by a campus receiving five failed accountability ratings in a row from the state.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026
Suspending the fees can provide immediate financial relief for citizens, promote greater accountability and prevent unchecked increases in utility costs.
—Jason Buckel, Baltimore Sun, 17 Mar. 2026
Brown's family and friends held a press conference following the release of the video, calling for accountability and justice.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accountability
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 18 Mar. 2026
The replacement of district leaders comes after a 10-month saga involving appeals from the district attempting to stop state intervention, which was triggered by a campus receiving five failed accountability ratings in a row from the state.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026
Suspending the fees can provide immediate financial relief for citizens, promote greater accountability and prevent unchecked increases in utility costs.
—Jason Buckel, Baltimore Sun, 17 Mar. 2026
Brown's family and friends held a press conference following the release of the video, calling for accountability and justice.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accountability
Cite this Entry
“Accountability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accountability. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
