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Webster 1913 Edition


Accountability

Ac-countˊa-bil′i-ty

,
Noun.
The state of being accountable; liability to be called on to render an account; the obligation to bear the consequences for failure to perform as expected; accountableness.
“The awful idea of accountability.”
R. Hall.

Syn. – answerability, answerableness

Webster 1828 Edition


Accountability

ACCOUNTABIL'ITY

,
Noun.
1.
The state of being liable to answer for one's conduct; liability to give account, and to receive reward or punishment for actions.
The awful idea of accountability.
2.
Liability to the payment of money or of damages; responsibility for a trust.

Definition 2024


accountability

accountability

English

Noun

accountability (usually uncountable, plural accountabilities)

  1. The state of being accountable; liability to be called on to render an account; accountableness; responsible for; answerable for.
    • 1946, Winston Churchill, Sinews of Peace:
      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.
  2. (military) The obligation imposed by law or lawful order or regulation on an officer or other person for keeping accurate record of property, documents, or funds. The person having this obligation may or may not have actual possession of the property, documents, or funds. Accountability is concerned primarily with records, while responsibility is concerned primarily with custody, care, and safekeeping.

Usage notes

  • (Can we clean up(+) this sense?) Accountability is condemned by some as jargon of the political élite and referring to a mechanism for democratic good-governance that is unworkable in practice.[1]

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References

  1. “She Literally Exploded : The Daily Telegraph Infuriating Phrasebook”, Christopher Howse and Richard Preston (Constable‧London, 2007; ISBN 978‒1‒84529‒675‒9), page 3