Dictionary
accountable
adjective ac·count·able \ə-ˈkau̇n-tə-bəl\
: required to explain actions or decisions to someone
: required to be responsible for something
Full Definition of ACCOUNTABLE
1
: subject to giving an account : answerable <held her accountable for the damage>
2
: capable of being accounted for : explainable
— ac·count·able·ness \-ˈkau̇n-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
— ac·count·ably \-blē\ adverb
See accountable defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of ACCOUNTABLE
14th century
Related to ACCOUNTABLE
- Synonyms
- responsible, amenable, answerable, liable
- Antonyms
- irresponsible, nonaccountable, unaccountable
Synonym Discussion of ACCOUNTABLE
responsible, answerable, accountable, amenable, liable mean subject to being held to account. responsible implies holding a specific office, duty, or trust <the bureau responsible for revenue collection>. answerable suggests a relation between one having a moral or legal obligation and a court or other authority charged with oversight of its observance <an intelligence agency answerable to Congress>. accountable suggests imminence of retribution for unfulfilled trust or violated obligation <elected officials are accountable to the voters>. amenable and liable stress the fact of subjection to review, censure, or control by a designated authority under certain conditions <laws are amenable to judicial review> <not liable for the debts of the former spouse>.
Rhymes with ACCOUNTABLE
ACCOUNTABLE Defined for Kids
accountable
adjective ac·count·able \ə-ˈkȧun-tə-bəl\
Definition of ACCOUNTABLE for Kids
1
: required to explain actions or decisions <The mayor is accountable to the city's residents.>
2
: responsible 1 <You're accountable for your mistakes.>
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