Accountable
adjective /əˈkaʊntəbəl/ — Responsible for your actions and their consequences.
Definition
Required or expected to justify actions or decisions; taking ownership of results — good or bad.
Beyond the definition
Accountable is what makes trust possible. An accountable person doesn't blame others when things go wrong — they acknowledge their part. This makes them easier to trust and easier to work with, even when they make mistakes.
Origin & history
From account + able. From Latin computare 'to calculate, reckon'. Being countable — able to have your actions tallied.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Holding yourself accountable means following through — even when no one is watching.
She was accountable for her decision and said so directly.
A team where everyone is accountable doesn't need a manager watching every step.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Accountable” when the meaning fits your context: Required or expected to justify actions or decisions; taking ownership of results — good or bad.
Synonyms
responsible, answerable, reliable, trustworthy, transparent
Antonyms
evasive, irresponsible, blame-shifting
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Reviewing Consequential Plans
An experienced team leader reviews an architectural model with colleagues, taking visible care before making a consequential, collective decision.
The team leader’s posture and posture as they review the model show they are taking ownership of the upcoming decision. They are prepared to justify their professional direction and are acting in a way that shows they are accountable for the project's results.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Accountable" mean?
Accountable is adjective meaning: Responsible for your actions and their consequences.. Required or expected to justify actions or decisions; taking ownership of results — good or bad.
Where does the word "Accountable" come from?
From account + able. From Latin computare 'to calculate, reckon'. Being countable — able to have your actions tallied.