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

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

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

If we're going to have this unaccountable lifetime panel making these decisions for us, I would like to know who is funding their lavish luxury vacations.

From Salon

"Since Reagan, I would say conservatives have tried to rein in what they saw as a largely unaccountable bureaucracy," Hollis-Brusky said.

From Salon

The group believes the vetting process and interviews by consular officials can be too subjective and unaccountable.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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