Words / C1

uh-KOWNT-uh-bl/əˈkaʊntəbl/

Accountable means you must explain your actions: accountable to the board, accountable for safety. Responsible can mean “in charge” without the reporting line. Liable is more legal (liable for damages). Unaccountable power is a common complaint in journalism.

Meaning

Required to explain your actions to someone, or responsible for something (accountable to / for).

Examples

• “Managers are accountable to the board for safety.”
• “Who is accountable if the data leak again?”
• “Elected mayors are accountable to voters, not only to ministers.”

Good to know

accountable to + person. accountable for + duty. Legal cousin: liable.

Near in meaning

responsible

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