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

Related Words

• liability