1.
[syn: accountability, answerability, answerableness]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Accountability \Ac*count`a*bil"i*ty\, n.
The state of being accountable; liability to be called on to
render an account; the obligation to bear the consequences
for failure to perform as expected; accountableness. "The
awful idea of accountability." --R. Hall.
Syn: answerability, answerableness
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
accountability
n 1: responsibility to someone or for some activity [syn:
accountability, answerability, answerableness]
The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):
ACCOUNTABILITY, n. The mother of caution.
"My accountability, bear in mind,"
Said the Grand Vizier: "Yes, yes,"
Said the Shah: "I do -- 'tis the only kind
Of ability you possess."
Joram Tate