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.
Under the pretext of winning the AI race with China, these companies are asking the White House and Congress to embrace an innovation-at-all-costs approach, again with no accountability. Ruth Vitale, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025 Institutions should embed their college-to-career mapping artifacts into funding applications to demonstrate accountability and workforce readiness. Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Today, Riley leverages his lived experience to coach leaders through common leadership mistakes and complex challenges by focusing on clarity, accountability, and sustainability. Maria Williams, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025 The lack of answers and accountability is outrageous, said Adjua Broadbelt, her niece. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 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 13 Sep. 2025.

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