Accountable

Definition

Accountable is an adjective that describes a person or entity responsible for actions, decisions, or outcomes, often with an obligation to report, explain, or justify them.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American and British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈkaʊntəbl/
• Respelling: uh-KOWN-tuh-buhl

Etymology

The word "accountable" is derived from the noun "account," which comes from the Old French "acont," meaning "reckoning" or "counting," and ultimately from the Latin "computare," meaning "to calculate." The suffix "-able" implies capability or responsibility. The word entered English in the 15th century, with a sense of responsibility for one’s actions.

Derivatives

• Accountability (noun)
• Account (noun)
• Unaccountable (adjective)
• Accountably (adverb)
• Counter-accountable (adjective)

Synonyms

• Responsible
• Answerable
• Liable

Antonyms

• Unaccountable
• Irresponsible
• Exempt

Usage

The adjective "accountable" is commonly used in professional, personal, and legal contexts to indicate responsibility. For example, "Employees are accountable for meeting their performance goals." It often implies a moral or legal duty to explain actions or decisions to a higher authority, such as "The board is accountable to shareholders for the company’s performance."

Related Terms

• Responsibility: The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something.
• Liability: The state of being responsible for something, often legally.
• Transparency: Openness, communication, and accountability in actions or decisions.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Obligated to explain, justify, or take responsibility for actions or decisions: Refers to a duty of answering for actions or decisions, particularly in professional, legal, or organizational settings.
  • Example: "The manager is accountable for the department’s performance."
• Liable to be called upon to answer for actions or results: Implies a duty or expectation to explain the outcome of one's responsibilities.
  • Example: "Public officials should be accountable to the citizens they serve."