accountability

noun

ac·​count·​abil·​i·​ty ə-ˌkau̇n-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce accountability (audio)
Synonyms of accountabilitynext
: the quality or state of being accountable
… the CFO has ultimate accountability for maintaining the books and records of the company …—The Motley Fool
especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions
demanded more accountability from public officials
The … quarterback did take accountability for his play … recognizing it as an error that can't happen at this level. —Steven Corder

Examples of accountability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, the historical cases suggest that if accountability for cumulative harm arrives, product-level safety features deployed in isolation can be repurposed as part of a defense to such claims. — Ned Cooper, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026 The tragedy, caused by shoddy construction, triggered an outpouring of anger over corruption, the government’s lack of accountability and negligence. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026 The win followed two years of protests over government corruption and lack of accountability. — Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026 Organizations should concentrate human judgment where risk and accountability intersect. — Jo Debecker, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accountability

Word History

Etymology

accountable + -ity

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accountability was in 1750

Browse Nearby Words

account
accountability
accountable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accountability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accountability. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on accountability

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for accountability

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about accountability

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