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accountability

uh-koun-tuh-BIL-uh-tee /əˌkaʊn.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/

nounC1GREGMAT

academicformalpolitical

The state or requirement of being answerable for decisions, performance, and results to stakeholders.

Implies formal obligation to disclose performance transparently and take responsibility for outcomes.

The story behind the word. Passed through Anglo-Norman French from Latin 'computare' (to sum up, calculate). Originally denoting financial accounting, the term broadened in English to describe answerability to governing authorities or the public.

Word relationships

responsibility: Responsibility is duty to act; accountability is answerability for the final result.

irresponsibility: Refusal to take responsibility or answer for actions and performance.

Commonly confused with

accounting: Accounting is financial bookkeeping; accountability is general answerability for performance.

Word family

accountable (adjective): Answerable or obligated to justify actions.
accountably (adverb): In an accountable manner.

Collocations

accountability system
hold accountable
institutional accountability

Idioms & expressions

the buck stops here

Example sentences

"The ministry introduced new accountability systems to track school performance across all districts." Education Policy
"Transparent reporting builds institutional accountability and public confidence." Corporate Governance

Memory hook

ACCOUNT-ability means you must give an ACCOUNT of your outcomes. Answerability for outcomes.

When not to use

Do not use for private, personal feelings of guilt or informal regret.

Fun facts

The modern educational usage of accountability surged globally following federal educational legislation in the United States during the early 2000s.

Related words

evaluation, standardized

Explore more words

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