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

Meanwhile, Sumrall seems to be trying to build something that at least appears rooted in discipline, toughness and accountability. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2026

Permanent punishment after accountability is not public safety. —Natasha Dartigue, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2026

For year, tech companies have invoked the First Amendment and other laws to shield themselves from legal accountability. —Olivier Sylvain, Fortune, 16 May 2026

The move aims to improve traceability and accountability as China’s humanoid robotics industry rapidly expands. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

accountable + -ity

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above