accountability
n.-
1 responsibility for actions (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Academicthe situation where you are responsible for what you do and must explain your results to others.
the obligation of an individual or organisation to account for its activities and accept responsibility for them.
ExampleThe new law will improve the accountability of big companies to the public.
ExamplePublic demand for greater political accountability has led to more transparent reporting on how tax money is spent.
UsageOften used with the prepositions 'to' (the authority) and 'for' (the action).
- responsibility
- answerability
- liability
- irresponsibility
- impunity
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2 tracking property or funds (n.) C1 Advanced Formal Technical Lawthe duty to keep exact records of money, equipment, or documents.
the legal or regulatory obligation to maintain accurate records of property, funds, or sensitive documents.
ExampleThe officer is in charge of the accountability of all medical supplies in the hospital.
ExampleStrict financial accountability is required to ensure that international aid reaches the intended recipients without being diverted.
UsageCommon in military, legal, and governmental contexts regarding inventory or budgets.
- record keeping
- oversight
From accountable + -ity.