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

According to a city news release, the agreement would resolve all civil claims tied to Jefferson's death and provide her family a measure of accountability. — Doug Myers, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

The accountability group is charged with investigating complaints against officers and reports to the San Francisco Police Commission. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Both Craig and Flanagan have made pushes for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to face legal accountability central to their pitch. — Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

The bureau, which faces little public accountability in fatal shootings, declined to comment for this story. — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

accountable + -ity

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above