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accountability

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

nounC1GRETOEFL

formalbusiness

The fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility for one's actions.

Emphasizes the obligation to explain or justify one's actions to a higher authority or the public, and to accept responsibility for the consequences.

The story behind the word. The word 'accountability' comes from 'account,' which traces back through Old French 'aconter' to the Latin 'computare,' meaning 'to count' or 'to reckon.' The idea of giving an 'account' of one's actions, like a financial ledger, evolved into the sense of being answerable and responsible for them. So, to be accountable is to be able to 'count' or 'reckon' with your actions.

Word relationships

responsibility: Broader, can refer to duties or obligations without necessarily implying the need to justify actions to others.
liability: Legal responsibility for something, especially costs or damages.
answerability: Similar to accountability, emphasizing the need to provide answers.

irresponsibility: The state of not being responsible.
impunity: Exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action.

Commonly confused with

responsibility: Responsibility is about having a duty; accountability is about being answerable for how that duty was performed.

Word family

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

Collocations

public accountability
financial accountability
corporate accountability
police accountability
hold accountable

Example sentences

"Public officials must uphold a high standard of accountability, ensuring transparency in their decisions and expenditures." In government and public service.
"Calls for greater police accountability have led to reforms like body cameras and independent oversight boards." In policing.

Memory hook

Think of 'ACCOUNT-A-BILL-ity' – you have to account for every bill and expense, showing responsibility. Account-Bill-Responsible

When not to use

Do not use for simple responsibility without the implication of reporting or justifying actions.

Fun facts

The concept of accountability is central to democratic governance, ensuring that those in power are answerable to the public.
In organizational theory, 'accountability' is often linked with 'authority' and 'responsibility' as key components of effective management.

Related words

discretion, community-oriented

Explore more words

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