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accountability

uh-kown-tuh-BIL-ih-tee /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/

nounC1GREGMATUPSC

formalcorporatepolitical

The obligation of an individual or organization to account for its activities, accept responsibility for them, and disclose the results in a transparent manner.

Goes beyond simple responsibility; it implies that there are consequences if the duty is not met.

The story behind the word. Rooted in the Latin 'computare', meaning to count. If you are accountable, you are literally 'liable to be called to account'—to show the numbers and explain them.

Word relationships

responsibility: Responsibility is the duty to act; accountability is the duty to answer for the outcome of those actions.

impunity: Impunity is the exemption from punishment or freedom from the consequences of an action.

Commonly confused with

liability: Liability is a legal debt or obligation; accountability is a broader moral and professional obligation to answer for actions.

Word family

accountable (adjective): Required or expected to justify actions or decisions.

Collocations

hold someone accountable
public accountability
lines of accountability

Idioms & expressions

the buck stops here

Example sentences

"A culture of accountability is built when leaders take ownership of their mistakes rather than blaming subordinates." Leadership

Memory hook

Accountability means you can 'Count' on me to be 'Able' to explain my actions. Answer for the count.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'accounting,' which is the technical practice of managing financial records.

Fun facts

The concept of accountability was central to the Magna Carta, which held that even the King was not above the law.

Related words

governance, transparency, oversight

Explore more words

accountable, answerable, liability, take responsibility, transparency, governance