Accountability: meaning, definitions and examples
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accountability
[ əˌkaʊntəˈbɪlɪti ]
in a professional setting
The obligation to accept responsibility for one's actions, decisions, and their consequences.
Synonyms
answerability, liability, responsibility.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| accountability |
Used when someone is required or expected to justify their actions or decisions, especially in professional or official settings. It often implies a sense of transparency.
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| responsibility |
This is a broad term used in everyday language to indicate that someone has a duty to deal with something or someone, usually in a personal, professional, or social setting.
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| answerability |
This term is often used to denote that someone must respond to authority or the public for their actions. It's frequently used in a legal or formal context.
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| liability |
Commonly used in legal and financial contexts to indicate a person's or entity's legal responsibility. It often refers to potential risks or obligations.
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Examples of usage
- Accountability is crucial in a team environment.
- Managers should promote a culture of accountability among employees.
- The lack of accountability can lead to inefficiency and distrust.
- She demonstrated her accountability by owning up to her mistake.
- The company's success was attributed to a strong sense of accountability.
in a political context
The willingness to accept responsibility for one's actions and decisions in the political sphere.
Synonyms
honesty, integrity, transparency.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| accountability |
When someone is responsible for their actions and can be counted on to explain them, especially in a professional or public setting.
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| transparency |
When actions, decisions, and processes are open and clear, without any hidden agendas or secrets, usually used in business or government contexts.
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| integrity |
When someone maintains moral and ethical principles, and is coherent in their values and actions.
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| honesty |
When someone tells the truth and is straightforward, often used in personal or professional interactions.
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Examples of usage
- Politicians should be held to a high standard of accountability.
- Voters demand accountability from their elected officials.
- The lack of accountability in government can lead to corruption.
- Transparency is essential for accountability in public service.
- The scandal highlighted the need for greater accountability in politics.
Translations
Translations of the word "accountability" in other languages:
🇵🇹 responsabilidade
🇮🇳 उत्तरदायित्व
🇩🇪 Verantwortlichkeit
🇮🇩 akuntabilitas
🇺🇦 відповідальність
🇵🇱 odpowiedzialność
🇯🇵 説明責任 (せつめいせきにん)
🇫🇷 responsabilité
🇪🇸 responsabilidad
🇹🇷 sorumluluk
🇰🇷 책임 (chaegim)
🇸🇦 مسؤولية (mas'uliyya)
🇨🇿 odpovědnost
🇸🇰 zodpovednosť
🇨🇳 问责 (wènzé)
🇸🇮 odgovornost
🇮🇸 ábyrgð
🇰🇿 жауапкершілік
🇬🇪 პასუხისმგებლობა (pasukhismgebeloba)
🇦🇿 məsuliyyət
🇲🇽 responsabilidad
Etymology
The word 'accountability' originated from the word 'account' in the early 13th century, meaning 'a statement of conduct.' Over time, it evolved to encompass the concept of being answerable for one's actions. The term gained prominence in the context of responsibility and transparency in the 20th century, especially in organizational management and political governance.
See also: account, accountabilities, accountable, accountably, accountant, accounting, accounts, unaccountable.