accountability

noun

ac·count·abil·i·ty ə-ˌkau̇n-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē

Synonyms of accountability

: 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.

Apologies Gen Z loves accountability, and this was a big night for the humble apology. — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026 With proper oversight, efficiency, accuracy and accountability can exist together rather than compete with one another. — Charles Lew, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The debate about debates Despite a debate being scheduled, Jackson and Bottoms have continued to attack one another over the debate schedule and timeline, each saying the other is shying away from questions of accountability. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 For the past two years, Philadelphia’s city controller’s office has cited the School District of Philadelphia for its poor accountability of capital assets. — Kathryn Blackman, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 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

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

account

accountability

accountable

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Accountability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accountability. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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accountability

noun

Examples of accountability in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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