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

And the defensive lineman has been a source of accountability and strength for this Panthers defense. —Alex Zietlow november 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025

These apps often share data with data brokers and ad networks overseas, where privacy laws are weaker and accountability is nearly impossible. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025

True reform requires something deeper—long-term investment, structural change and accountability. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025

Overlapping environmental reviews, site preparation, and equipment procurement, while maintaining accountability and transparency, can accelerate project completion. —Shilpan Amin, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

accountable + -ity

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above