Accountability

noun (uncountable)

/əˌkaʊntəˈbɪlɪti/

The obligation of an individual or institution to accept responsibility for its actions and to disclose results transparently to those who have a right to know. In Indian governance, accountability operates through constitutional mechanisms such as parliamentary oversight, CAG audits, and judicial review. The 2nd ARC (2005–09) identified weak accountability as the root cause of poor public service delivery. It forms the bedrock of democratic legitimacy.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 sought to institutionalise upward accountability by creating an independent ombudsman empowered to investigate corruption allegations against public servants, including the Prime Minister.

Synonyms

answerabilityresponsibilityliabilityculpabilitytransparencyobligation

Antonyms

impunityunaccountabilityirresponsibilityexemption

🌱 Word Family

accountable (adjective), accountably (adverb), account (noun/verb), unaccountable (adjective), unaccountability (noun)

🔡 Root

Latin accomptare = to reckon; ad- = to + computare = to count together

📜 Etymology

Derived from Old French acont and Medieval Latin accomptare, the term entered English in the 13th century in a financial sense — literally, the duty to render a count or reckoning. By the 17th century it had broadened to cover moral and political responsibility, and by the 20th century it became central to public administration theory.

🧠 Memory Hook

Think of 'account' — a financial ledger you must show someone. Accountability is the duty to show your ledger of actions to those above you and to the public. If you cannot give an account, you are unaccountable.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Mains 2024 · GS2 · 15 marks — Governance
Mains 2023 · GS2 · 10 marks — Governance
Mains 2021 · GS2 · 10 marks — Indian Polity
Mains 2021 · GS4 · 10 marks — Ethics in Public Administration

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Accountability” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

🧭 Ethics & Integrity 📖 Seen in: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude — Complet...

Tip: press Alt+S to hear pronunciation