accountable

Accountable is an adjective describing a person or organization that is expected to justify and take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and outcomes. It implies being answerable to others and liable for consequences. The term originates from the noun account, with the suffix -able, and entered English in the early modern period from Old French and Latin roots meaning to reckon or report. In general usage, someone is accountable when they can be asked to explain their conduct and provide a rationale or results.

In governance and public administration, accountability means that leaders and institutions must report on performance, be transparent about processes, and face scrutiny by stakeholders, auditors, or the public. Mechanisms include reporting requirements, audits, independent oversight, and performance metrics. In project management and business, accountability identifies the single person who owns a task or outcome (often contrasted with responsibility in frameworks such as RACI: accountable versus responsible). The accountable person is expected to ensure the work is completed and that results align with goals and standards.

Ethically and legally, accountability encompasses moral obligation and legal liability for actions and their consequences. It promotes trust by enabling answerability, transparency, and learning from mistakes. Challenges include unclear lines of responsibility, diffusion of accountability, and weak enforcement. The term remains closely related to accountability concepts such as responsibility, answerability, and transparency, and is used across government, corporate governance, and professional practice.