accountability
pl. uncountable
Commonality score: 2 (Common)
Translations
Arabic: المساءلة
Chinese (Mandarin): 问责制 / 责任追究
French: responsabilité / reddition de comptes
German: Verantwortlichkeit
Hindi: जवाबदेही
Japanese: 説明責任
Korean: 책임 / 책무
Polish: odpowiedzialność
Portuguese: responsabilidade / prestação de contas
Russian: подотчетность
Spanish: rendición de cuentas / responsabilidad
Thai: ความรับผิดชอบในการกระทำ
Turkish: hesap verebilirlik
Vietnamese: trách nhiệm giải trình
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Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, translations could be misleading. Check with your teacher if you are unsure.
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Noun type
Abstract Noun: ""Accountability" is an abstract noun because it refers to the responsibility or obligation to explain or justify actions. It describes a principle or expectation, not a tangible thing.
It is uncountable: “Leaders must be comfortable with accountability.”
Formed from accountable (from Old French acontable, “liable to render accounts”) + the noun-forming suffix -ity.
Definition/s
- The quality or state of being accountable; especially an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions.
- The principle that individuals or organisations are responsible for their behaviour and must explain it to others.
- A system of oversight that requires justification for actions or decisions.
Examples
- Transparency and accountability are essential in democratic institutions.
- The organisation failed to maintain proper accountability for its funds.
- Without accountability, corruption is likely to flourish.
What are Openers?

- Openers are conversation starters you will use to participate in a discussion. They come in three forms:
1. Open Questions
- Ask an open question and understand your conversation partners’s views.
- Make sure to ask follow ups, and remember: this is a conversation, not an interview!
2. Stories
- Tell a personal story. Something that has happened to you, or somebody you know.
- Or tell us about something that you have done or seen.
- Your conversation partners must then follow up with you or reciprocate with their own stories.
3. Opinions
- Share an opinion about something that the content has inspired.
- Respectfully identify any agreement or disagreement there is in the room.
What are Openers?

- Openers are conversation starters you will use to participate in a discussion. They come in three forms:
1. Open Questions
- Ask an open question and understand your conversation partners’s views.
- Make sure to ask follow ups, and remember: this is a conversation, not an interview!
2. Stories
- Tell a personal story. Something that has happened to you, or somebody you know.
- Or tell us about something that you have done or seen.
- Your conversation partners must then follow up with you or reciprocate with their own stories.
3. Opinions
- Share an opinion about something that the content has inspired.
- Respectfully identify any agreement or disagreement there is in the room.
The Skinny
You’ve been asked to brief a senior executive (the “boss”) on a key issue from a recent business news event. This person is busy and relies on you to give them insight, not headlines.
You have 60–90 seconds to deliver a concise, high-value update tailored to their concerns and communication preferences.
1. Read the boss profile carefully.
- Who are they?
- What do they care about?
- What do they not want to hear?
2. Stick to their focus.
- What part of the story matters most to them?
- Don’t explain everything—prioritise.
3. Use business English.
- Be clear, precise, and professional.
- Avoid informal or emotional language.
Two Papal Styles: Clerical vs. Pastoral

Not all popes lead the same way. Some focus more on rules and tradition, while others focus on care and connection. These two styles are often called clerical and pastoral.
Understanding the difference can help us see why Pope Francis felt so different from past leaders—and why some people loved his style while others disagreed with it.
Understanding the difference can help us see why Pope Francis felt so different from past leaders—and why some people loved his style while others disagreed with it.
🟣 Clerical Style
- Focuses on rules, tradition, and Church authority
- Speaks with clear, firm direction
- Keeps strong boundaries between Church leaders and members.
Example: A clerical pope might defend strict Church teachings on family or sacraments.
🟢 Pastoral Style
- Focuses on compassion, listening, and inclusion
- Tries to meet people where they are.
- Emphasises mercy over judgment.
Example: A pastoral pope might welcome divorced people or support migrants and the poor.