accountable

[ uh-koun-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. subject to the obligation to report, explain, or justify something; responsible; answerable.
2. capable of being explained; explicable; explainable.

accountable

/ əˈkaʊntəbəl /

adjective

1. responsible to someone or for some action; answerable
2. able to be explained

Derived Forms

• acˈcountably, adverb
• acˌcountaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• ac·counta·ble·ness noun
• ac·counta·bly adverb
• nonac·counta·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of accountable¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English; account + -able

Example Sentences

Then we all have to do our part to engage the officers and our community, and hold everyone accountable in the process.

From The Daily Beast

When companies do bad things they ought to be held accountable for them.

From The Daily Beast

It is freedom, and accountable both legally and socially to the free choices of others around them.

From The Daily Beast

The American people need to rise up and hold their elected officials accountable.

From The Daily Beast

I hope that America is going to hold Cuba accountable in public opinion.

From The Daily Beast

They did not feel accountable for their deeds or thoughts or words to an irresistible Power working for righteousness or truth.

From Project Gutenberg

They held us accountable for the conduct of those who had left, and vented the malignity of their unfeeling hearts upon us.

From Project Gutenberg

By a train of events for which she is not accountable the question has become of importance to you.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes we can hardly be held accountable for what we do; especially when our sense of justice is sorely taxed.

From Project Gutenberg

Commanding officers accountable for proper training of organizations; field efficiency; team-work.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• answerable
• culpable
• liable
• obliged