Learn English – Difference between “accountability” and “responsibility”

differencesmeaningnouns

I've looked them up in many dictionaries, it seems the two words have the same meaning, right? I don't know when we use each of them properly.

Best Answer

If you are accountable for something, you are in a position that requires you to report to or answer to someone for your actions and decisions.

If you are responsible for something, you may be the one to whom things are reported.

I think with accountability there is someone or some agency overseeing your actions; someone to whom you report.

With responsibility, you are the one in charge. "The buck stops here." One dictionary says when you are responsible, you have the ability to act without guidance or superior authority.