C1nounformal5K

Accountability

UK /["/əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/"]/US /["/əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/"]/

Definition

the fact of being responsible for your decisions or actions and expected to explain them when you are asked

In simple words: Being responsible for your actions and their effects.

Examples

proposals for greater police accountability
the accountability of a company’s directors to the shareholders

Usage notes

Used in formal discussions about responsibility, ethics, or management. Not suitable for casual conversations or informal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Imagine keeping your 'accounts' straight — you take accountability for every transaction.

Collocations

lack of accountability
expect accountability
personal accountability
shared accountability

Synonyms

responsibility
liability
answerability
accountableness

Antonyms

irresponsibility
unaccountability

Common mistakes

Confused with 'accountable' — 'accountability' is a noun.
Using in informal settings — it's too formal for casual speech.
Mispronouncing the word — ensure to emphasize the 'count' part.