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

Some of these requirements include free and fair elections, the rule of law, an independent judiciary, equal rights, separation of powers, accountability of leaders, political pluralism, a free press, majority rule tempered by minority rights and thoughtful citizen participation. —Steven D. Reske, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026

Big crowds on Saturday suggested that the dissent persists more than a year after protests ignited to demand accountability for a train station tragedy in Serbia’s north in November 2024 that killed 16 people. —Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026

Sports teach resilience, discipline, sacrifice, accountability, and perseverance in ways few other experiences can. —Peter Folan, Boston Herald, 23 May 2026

His successor, Bob Bradley, emphasized discipline, fitness and accountability, maintaining competitive standards while instilling a resilient team mentality. —Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

accountable + -ity

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above