unaccountable

[ uhn-uh-koun-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. impossible to account for; unexplained; inexplicable:

   The boat has an unaccountable tendency to yaw.

   Synonyms: unintelligible, mysterious, inscrutable, incomprehensible

2. exempt from being called to account; not answerable:

   As a subordinate, he is unaccountable for errors in policy.

   Synonyms: irresponsible, unanswerable

unaccountable

/ ˌʌnəˈkaʊntəbəl /

adjective

1. allowing of no explanation; inexplicable
2. puzzling; extraordinary

   an unaccountable fear of hamburgers

3. not accountable or answerable to

Derived Forms

• ˌunacˈcountably, adverb
• ˌunacˈcountableness, noun

Other Words From

• unac·counta·ble·ness unac·counta·bili·ty noun
• unac·counta·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unaccountable¹

First recorded in 1635–45; un- ¹ + accountable

Example Sentences

“State DOTs are unaccountable, not transparent, they like things the way they are. They’re in the habit of building expensive infrastructure for cars and that’s what they continue to do.”

From Slate

The Teamsters released a statement after the veto was announced saying the “vast majority of Californians oppose unregulated, unaccountable driverless cars and trucks on our roads.”

From Los Angeles Times

One of the women who originally complained about Judge Lancaster’s behaviour, Alison McDermott, believes the judicial system is totally unaccountable.

From BBC

But the ballot board recast this reform as a malevolent plot to give unaccountable and potentially corrupt bureaucrats total control over redistricting.

From Slate

The Pope warned against the communion vote but many clergy simply ignored the Vatican and the directives as if they are unaccountable to any earthly power.

From Salon

Related Words

• arcane
• impenetrable
• inexplicable
• unfathomable
• unheard-of
• unintelligible