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.
In the wake of the 2020 George Floyd protests and other high-profile police misconduct cases, police departments in the United States are under increasing pressure to not only uphold accountability, but also do so quickly and publicly to maintain their communities’ trust and confidence. Thomas Gibbons-Neff, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025 Treat them fairly and expect accountability, but do not micromanage them. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 After a season of dodging accountability with the kind of deflections that would make a politician blush, she’s finally confronted—this time, backstage by Stacey and Jazzy. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 21 Feb. 2025 Here are ties and theories February 19, 2025 7:00 AM See all stories The Herald Nick Sullivan is The Observer’s regional accountability reporter for York County and the South Carolina communities that border Charlotte. Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 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 1 Mar. 2025.

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