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

That year, then-President Barack Obama signed the sweeping education law overhaul, ushering in a new approach to accountability, teacher evaluations and the way the most poorly performing schools are pushed to improve. —CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025

According to her 2024 campaign profile, Culbert highlighted her experience as a process safety engineer and her commitment to environmental protection, corporate accountability and transparency at the powerful state agency overseeing Texas' oil and gas industry. —Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025

Wilson came up with an accountability chart. —Sean Gregory, Time, 10 Dec. 2025

Experts warned that new claims or allegations could still emerge, and a swift parliamentary move would send a message of accountability. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 10 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

accountable + -ity

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above