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

In Pennsylvania, the House passed a bill that left voucher funding untouched, but add transparency and accountability. — Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Families of victims say mistrial denied them justice Outside the courthouse Tuesday, relatives of those killed in the shooting said the mistrial left them feeling that the justice system had failed them after years of waiting for accountability. — Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026

Such a sudden influx makes rigorous training, and accountability for misconduct, all the more essential. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 21 July 2026

The case has drawn political reactions from across the spectrum, with opposition politicians demanding full accountability and members of the governing coalition defending the officers involved. — Reuters, NBC news, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

accountable + -ity

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above