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

As in Bangladesh and the Maldives, however, this support came at the expense of human rights and accountability. —Muhib Rahman, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025

This means clear ownership, strategic leadership, and, above all, profit-and-loss accountability. —Phil Gilbert, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025

Clients come to them for solutions, clarity, accountability, and a team that stands behind its work. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

Eric Lerner, the climate, justice and corporate accountability director at the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, disagreed with Frost’s statement. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

accountable + -ity

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above