C1adjectiveformal3K

Accountable

UK /["/əˈkaʊntəbl/"]/US /["/əˈkaʊntəbl/"]/

Definition

responsible for your decisions or actions and expected to explain them when you are asked

In simple words: Responsible for your actions and decisions.

Examples

  • As a manager, you must be accountable for your team's performance.
  • In a democracy, elected officials are accountable to the public.
  • The school holds students accountable for their academic integrity.
  • Being accountable means owning up to your mistakes and learning from them.
  • The company has a policy that makes employees accountable for their actions.

Usage notes

Use 'accountable' in formal contexts, such as business or legal situations. Avoid in casual conversations. It's usually about being responsible to higher authority.

Grammar pattern

be + accountable (for) + object

Memory hint

Think 'counting for' your actions — if you're accountable, you must count them.

Collocations

  • be
  • become
  • make somebody
  • fully
  • properly
  • personally
  • for
  • to

Synonyms

  • responsible
  • answerable
  • liable
  • obligated
  • charged

Antonyms

  • unaccountable
  • irresponsible

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'responsible' - 'accountable' implies a higher level of responsibility.
  • Often used incorrectly as a noun; it is an adjective.
  • Misused in informal contexts where simpler words would suffice.