What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accountability
Example
As a manager, I have accountability for the performance of my team. [accountability: noun]
Example
The company's lack of accountability led to a decline in customer satisfaction. [accountability: noun]
answerability
Example
The CEO has answerability to the board of directors for the company's financial performance. [answerability: noun]
Example
The government officials were called to answerability for their handling of the crisis. [answerability: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accountability is more commonly used than answerability in everyday language, but both words are interchangeable in most contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accountability and answerability?
Accountability is often associated with a formal or professional context, while answerability can be used in both formal and informal contexts.