Definition of "accountability"

accountability

/ə.ˌkaʊn.tə.ˈbɪl.ət.i/

noun
usually uncountable, plural accountabilities
1. The state of being accountable; liability to be called on to render an account or give an explanation; liability to be held responsible or answerable for something.
  Quotations
  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.
  1946, Winston Churchill, Sinews of Peace
2. An open determination of one's responsibility for something and imposition of consequences.
  Quotations
  Just think about that: 1 in 4 had an error, and 1 in 20 was seriously wrong. And that is not good. If every 20th Frosty that Wendy’s sold turned out to be a cup of warm goat semen, we would want some accountability and we’d want it fast! At least freeze it!
  2016 April 10, “Credit Reports”, in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, season 3, episode 8, John Oliver (actor), via HBO
  Levying a charge will not, by itself, guarantee accountability: witness the millions of dissatisfied customers of the private sector travel agents who book the wrong holiday, solicitors who over-charge, builders who do shoddy work, garages that misrepair cars, estate agents who mislead, shops that sell defective goods and refuse refunds, etc.
  2000, Neil Bateman, Advocacy Skills for Health and Social Care Professionals, page 53
3. Good-faith acceptance of one's responsibility for something and of its consequences.
  Quotations
  As the biggest rail player, Network Rail was usually held accountable for failings, but had no authority to change anything to solve the problems. The DfT had been given that authority in 2004 - but consistently ducked accountability.
  2021 March 10, Nigel Harris, “It's time to get on with it!”, in RAIL, number 926, page 3
  The erosion of accountability doesn't seem to matter now, but it will matter when things start unraveling.
  2023 October 18, Charles Hugh Smith, Our Mutually Reinforcing Crises: Not All Polycrises Are Equal‎
4. (military) The obligation imposed by law 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.