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

But neither faced significant accountability, according to the lawsuit. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 17 Dec. 2025

That opens the door to better accountability. —Norbert Jung, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025

Advocates and legislators are seeking solutions and accountability for a pattern of Chicago police arresting Black gun owners on firearms charges despite valid FOID and CCL licenses. —CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025

Re-Defining Corporate Responsibility From the EU’s CSRD and CSDDD to emerging regulations in Asia, such as in Thailand, South Korea, and Japan—there is a global movement compelling companies to take greater accountability. —Céline Van De Loo, Sourcing Journal, 16 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

accountable + -ity

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above