Accountable
/əˈkaʊntəbəl/
Definitions
Subject to being held responsible for something; obligated to explain actions or decisions.
/əˈkaʊntəbəl/
Responsible or answerable for something.
The CEO is accountable to the board of directors.
💡 Simply: Having to explain and take responsibility for your actions.
More Examples
Everyone is accountable for their own mistakes.
How It's Used
"Managers are accountable for the performance of their teams."
"The driver was held accountable for the accident."
From Middle English *acountable*, from Anglo-French *acomtable*, from Old French *acomtable* "responsible, liable," from *a-* "to" + *comter* "to count, reckon," from Vulgar Latin *computare*, from Latin *computare* "to compute, calculate." The sense evolved from being able to give an account of one's actions to being responsible for them.
Historically, the word's usage emphasized the ability to give a detailed account; the modern sense of responsibility is a later development.
Memory tip
Think of 'account' - you need to be able to give an account of your actions.
Word Origin
"to compute, calculate"