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accountability

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

nounC1IELTSGMATUPSC

ProfessionalPolitical

The fact or condition of being required or expected to justify actions or decisions; responsibility.

Accountability is more than just responsibility; it implies that there are consequences if the task is not completed.

The story behind the word. From the Latin 'computare', meaning 'to count' or 'calculate'. Originally, it meant being able to 'give an account' of money. Over time, it shifted from counting coins to 'counting' for your actions and their results.

Word relationships

responsibility: Responsibility is the duty to do something; accountability is the obligation to explain the results.
liability: Liability is a legal or financial obligation; accountability is a broader professional or moral obligation.

irresponsibility: The lack of care or concern for one's duties or the consequences of one's actions.

Commonly confused with

accounting: Accounting is the profession of managing money; accountability is the state of being responsible for actions.

Word family

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

Collocations

hold someone accountable
personal accountability
lack of accountability
public accountability

Idioms & expressions

the buck stops here

Example sentences

"We need to establish clear lines of accountability so everyone knows who is responsible for each part of the project." A corporate governance meeting.
"Accountability breeds response-ability." A quote on leadership.

Memory hook

If you are 'accountable', you have to give an 'account' of what you did. Answering for your actions.

When not to use

Don't use it for simple chores. It implies a formal structure where one person answers to another.

Fun facts

The phrase 'the buck stops here' (popularized by Harry Truman) is the ultimate expression of accountability.

Related words

competency, outcome, objective

Explore more words

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