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

Ugarte, Price’s former deputy chief of staff, has also emphasized accountability and transparency in his campaign platform. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 9 May 2026

But from behind the counter, the current system already lacks accountability and consistency. —Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026

Haven is a place of healing, hope, and accountability. —Heath Kalb, CBS News, 9 May 2026

Our administration will work with providers and state partners to establish stronger accountability standards so ambulances are not diverted from true emergencies. —Nick Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

accountable + -ity

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above