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Definition of accountability

accountability

/əˌkaʊn.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/
ac · count · a · bil · i · ty
Adverb:accountably
•
Plural:accountabilities
•
Adjective:accountable
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accountability Lexical Profile

accountability Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The fact or condition of being required or expected to justify one's actions, decisions, or performance and accept responsibility for their outcomes.

Example

"Public officials must operate with transparency and accountability to maintain the trust of the citizens they serve."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for accountability
Antonyms
View all antonyms for accountability

Word Nuance & Usage

While often used interchangeably with 'responsibility' (the duty to carry out a task), 'accountability' specifically emphasizes the obligation to answer for the outcome of that task to an authority or stakeholder after the fact.

• Rhymes for accountability

• Nearby Words

accordionist
accost
account
accountability
accountable
accountably
accountancy

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 18th century from 'accountable' + '-ity', ultimately tracing back to Old French 'aconter' (to reckon or render an account) and Late Latin 'computare' (to calculate).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Accountability. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/accountability
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