WordValeaccountability
being answerable for one's actions
In more detail
1. (noun) the requirement or expectation that someone will explain their actions and accept responsibility for them
2. (noun) the quality of being responsible and able to be held responsible for what you do
Examples
- 1. The government promises greater accountability to the public for how tax money is spent.
- 2. We need to improve accountability in our organization so people take their work seriously.
How to use accountability
Accountability refers to both the obligation to explain and justify one's actions and the capacity to be held responsible. It is widely used in organizational, political, and ethical contexts to emphasize transparency and consequences. The term carries a formal, somewhat official tone and is often used when discussing systems, institutions, or governance.
Common phrases
- hold someone accountable
- accept accountability
- call for accountability
- accountability measures
- lack of accountability
- personal accountability
Synonyms
responsibility · answerability · liability · culpability · obligation
Opposites
unaccountability · irresponsibility
Word family
accountable (adjective) · accountably (adverb) · unaccountable (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse accountability with accounting (financial recordkeeping); accountability is about responsibility for actions, not financial management.
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