accountability

[ uh-koun-tuh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

1. the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable.
2. Education. a policy of holding schools and teachers accountable for students' academic progress by linking such progress with funding for salaries, maintenance, etc.

Other Words From

• non·ac·count·a·bil·i·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of accountability¹

First recorded in 1785–95; account(able) + -ability

Example Sentences

They also want smaller, more frequent COPs with clear accountability for the promises that countries make.

From BBC

McDonnell listed his other priorities as transparency and accountability, addressing homelessness, improved emergency readiness, and “responsible adoption and use of technology with a steadfast commitment to privacy.”

From Los Angeles Times

“So there’s a balance between safety and accountability that I think we can have. We all can have that conversation and hold those two thoughts at the same time.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Social Democratic and Labour Party’s MP for Foyle, Colum Eastwood, said the McGreanery family had been “steadfast in their campaign for truth, justice and accountability”.

From BBC

In his statement announcing Hegseth as his Defense secretary pick, the president-elect said the book “reveals the leftwing betrayal of our Warriors, and how we must return out Military to meritocracy, lethality, accountability, and excellence.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• liability