Accountability: meaning, definitions and examples

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accountability

[ əˌkaʊntəˈbɪlɪti ]

^{Context #1}

in a professional setting

The obligation to accept responsibility for one's actions, decisions, and their consequences.

Synonyms

answerability, liability, responsibility

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.

^{Context #2}

in a political context

The willingness to accept responsibility for one's actions and decisions in the political sphere.

Synonyms

honesty, integrity, transparency

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

Word origin

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.