Abstract Noun of Accountable (Accountability): Understanding its Meaning and Usage

Last Modified: 2025-06-13

What is the abstract noun of accountable? Is 'accountability' an abstract noun?

Hello, responsible learners! The word 'accountable' is an adjective we use to describe someone who is required to justify their actions or decisions. The noun that names this state of being responsible is accountability. As an abstract noun, 'accountability' refers to the intangible quality or condition of being accountable. Let's learn how this important noun is formed and used.

What is the Abstract Noun 'Accountability'?

The word accountability is the abstract noun derived from the adjective 'accountable'. It refers to the fact or condition of being responsible for what you do and being able to give a satisfactory reason for it. You can see an accountable person's actions, but you cannot physically touch the concept of 'accountability' itself.

  • It represents the state of being responsible: The manager took full accountability for the project's failure.
  • It represents the quality of being answerable: There is a need for greater accountability in public office.

How 'Accountability' is Formed

The abstract noun 'accountability' is formed by adding the suffix -ity to the adjective 'accountable' (after dropping the final '-le'). This is a common pattern for forming abstract nouns from adjectives ending in '-able' or '-ible'.

AdjectiveSuffix ChangeAbstract NounExample Sentence
Accountable-able → -abilityAccountabilityThe new system is designed to increase accountability.
Responsible-ible → -ibilityResponsibilityIt is your responsibility to complete the work.
Capable-able → -abilityCapabilityThe army demonstrated its capability.

Functions of 'Accountability' in a Sentence

'Accountability' can perform several grammatical functions:

  • As a Subject: Accountability is essential for a fair system.
  • As a Direct Object: The public demands greater accountability from its leaders.
  • As an Object of a Preposition: He has a strong sense of accountability.
  • As a Subject Complement: The main issue here is a lack of accountability.

'Accountable' (Adjective) vs. 'Accountability' (Noun)

It is important to use these words correctly. Accountable is an adjective that describes a noun. Accountability is the abstract noun that names the quality of being responsible.

Part of SpeechMeaningExample Sentence
Accountable (Adjective) Describes someone as being responsible for their actions. You will be held accountable for your decisions.
Accountability (Noun) The state or quality of being responsible. We need to establish clear lines of accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the abstract noun of accountable?

The abstract noun of the adjective 'accountable' is accountability. It is formed by changing the suffix from '-able' to '-ability'.

Is 'accountability' an abstract noun?

Yes, 'accountability' is an abstract noun because it names a quality or condition (responsibility) which is an intangible concept.

Which type of abstract noun is 'accountability'?

'Accountability' is an abstract noun that represents a quality or a state/condition. It describes the state of being responsible and answerable for one's actions.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Word

Choose the correct word (accountable or accountability) to complete the sentences.

  1. Each team member is _______ for their part of the project.
  2. The company fosters a culture of _______.
  3. Who is _______ for this mistake?
  4. There must be clear _______ in financial reporting.
  5. We must hold our leaders _______.

Exercise 2: Form the Abstract Noun

Form the correct abstract noun from the adjective in brackets.

  1. (Reliable) We value the _______ of our sources.
  2. (Profitable) The goal is to increase company _______.
  3. (Available) Please check the _______ of the meeting room.
  4. (Vulnerable) The system's _______ was exposed by the attack.
  5. (Stable) Economic _______ is crucial for growth.

Quizzes

Quiz 1: True or False

Read the statements and decide if they are True or False.

  1. 'Accountable' is an abstract noun. (True / False)
  2. 'Accountability' is an adjective. (True / False)
  3. 'Accountability' is an uncountable noun. (True / False)
  4. 'Accountability' means being responsible for something. (True / False)

Quiz 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct option for each question.

  1. Which sentence is grammatically correct?
    (a) The team needs more accountable. (b) The team needs more accountability. (c) The team is accountability.
  2. The word 'accountability' is a(n):
    (a) Verb (b) Abstract Noun (c) Adjective
  3. In the sentence "A sense of accountability is important," 'accountability' is the:
    (a) Verb (b) Adjective (c) Object of a Preposition
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