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

Mahan’s plan also outlines a framework for evaluating and enforcing accountability, borrowing certain ideas from policies adopted in other states. —Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026

His eight-page plan includes ways to measure and track accountability, some of which are drawn from policies in other states. —Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026

That changed with the CDC Leadership Accountability Act of 2023, which meant, as the name suggests, to boost accountability at the agency following missteps during the pandemic. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026

Conversations in line frequently turn to general distaste for Washington, with some travelers openly calling for accountability. —Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

accountable + -ity

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above