accountability

noun

ac·​count·​abil·​i·​ty ə-ˌkau̇n-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce accountability (audio)
: the quality or state of being accountable
especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions
public officials lacking accountability

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.
Embracing cross-functional teams that blend IT with business strategy helps quicken market response, spur innovation and boost accountability for customer experience impact. Pawan Vadapalli, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 By the end of 2017, body cameras — a tool for both accountability and investigation — were in use for all Chicago Police Department patrol officers, which allows jurors and courtroom observers to watch, to some extent, a police shooting unfold. Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025 Even Bloomberg tried it but his penchant for micro-managing through quantitative measures and punitive accountability created top-down priorities tying the hands of all but the most forceful principals. David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 13 July 2025 During the 2025 legislative session, Bettencourt authored Senate Bill 1365, which would have given the TEA authority to appoint state oversight over districts that sue the state over academic accountability. Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 12 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Accountability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accountability. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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