English · Word Candidate

accountability

/əˌkaʊn.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: accountabilities

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The state of being accountable; liability to be called on to render an account or give an explanation; liability to be held responsible or answerable for something.

Noun

Examples

The United States stands at this time at the pinnacle of world power. It is a solemn moment for the American Democracy. For with primacy in power is also joined an awe-inspiring accountability to the future.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

An open determination of one's responsibility for something and imposition of consequences.

Noun

Examples

Just think about that: 1 in 4 had an error, and 1 in 20 was seriously wrong. And that is not good. If every 20th Frosty that Wendy’s sold turned out to be a cup of warm goat semen, we would want some accountability and we’d want it fast! At least freeze it!

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “accountability” mean?

The state of being accountable; liability to be called on to render an account or give an explanation; liability to be held responsible or answerable for something.

Is “accountability” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.