accountability

noun

ac·​count·​abil·​i·​ty ə-ˌkau̇n-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce accountability (audio)
: the quality or state of being accountable
especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions
public officials lacking accountability

Examples of accountability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Multiple CDPs deployed across different business units lead to duplicate records, inconsistent controls and blurred accountability. Bill Bruno, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025 There’s been a push for more accountability from Dolphins leaders, and that’s led to Tagovailoa personally calling Hill out for his attention seeking antics, which have clearly created some wounds among the team that still hasn’t been healed. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 July 2025 But many police departments in the state, including Austin, have faced accusations of lackluster internal investigations and lax discipline that lets officers off the hook with little accountability. Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 26 July 2025 After his elimination, the seven-time champion took accountability for the shocking result. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for accountability

Word History

Etymology

accountable + -ity

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accountability was in 1750

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accountability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accountability. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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