Home › Military Science & Warfare › Rules of Engagement & War Crimes › Accountability

Accountability

uh-kown-tuh-BIL-i-tee /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪlɪti/

nounB2GRETOEFLIELTS

formalbusinesslegalpolitical

The fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility to explain or justify one's actions, and to accept responsibility for their outcomes.

Accountability goes beyond mere responsibility; it implies an obligation to report, explain, and be answerable for one's actions, especially when things go wrong. It's about facing consequences.

The story behind the word. The word 'accountability' comes from the Old French 'aconter', meaning 'to count, render account'. This root is also found in 'account'. The idea of 'rendering an account' or explaining one's actions has been central to the word's meaning since it entered English in the 18th century, emphasizing the obligation to justify and be answerable for one's conduct.

Word relationships

responsibility: Closely related, but 'accountability' often implies a stronger obligation to explain and face consequences.
answerability: Direct synonym, but less common.
liability: Primarily legal, referring to legal responsibility for damages or debts.

impunity: Exemption from punishment or freedom from consequences.

Commonly confused with

responsibility: You can have 'responsibility' for a task without 'accountability' for its outcome if someone else is ultimately answerable.

Word family

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

Collocations

demand accountability
ensure accountability
lack accountability
political accountability

Idioms & expressions

hold someone accountable

Example sentences

"The CEO resigned, taking full `Accountability` for the company's failures." After the financial scandal, the public demanded answers.
"Human rights groups tirelessly advocate for `Accountability` for perpetrators of atrocities." In international law, ensuring this for war crimes is a major challenge.
"The new legislation aims to increase government `Accountability` to its citizens." Governments are often pressed to be transparent in their operations.

Memory hook

To be `Accountable` is to be able to give a full 'ACCOUNT' of your actions and accept the 'BILL' for them. Give an account

When not to use

While 'responsibility' can be used more broadly, 'accountability' specifically implies an obligation to justify actions and accept consequences. Don't use it for simple tasks without a need for justification.

Fun facts

The concept of accountability is fundamental to good governance, ethics, and justice systems worldwide.
In modern governance, accountability often involves transparency and public reporting.

Related words

Culpable, Perpetrator, Impunity

Explore more words

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