answerability
/ˌan(t)-s(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē/ (ame, mw)
answerability — 名詞
1. the condition of being in a position where you must explain your actions or deci
問責性
必須向某人說明行為或決策的責任
the condition of being in a position where you must explain your actions or decisions to a person or group that has the authority to judge them, and accept any consequences that follow
The committee's answerability to the board meant every budget decision had to be documented.
委員會對董事會的問責性意味著每項預算決策都必須詳細記錄在案。
collocation: answerability to [authority]
In a democracy, the answerability of public officials is ensured through elections and independent reviews.
在民主制度中，公職人員的問責性是透過選舉和獨立審查來確保的。
collocation: answerability of [holder of power]
Dr. Nkosi showed answerability for the project's failure by explaining each decision to the panel.
Nkosi 博士對專案失敗承擔問責，他向審查小組逐一說明了每項決策。
The principal's answerability to parents pushed her to explain the new dress code at meetings.
校長對家長的問責性促使她在會議上說明新服裝規定的理由。
- accountability
The closest synonym; 'accountability' often focuses on measurable outcomes and results, while 'answerability' stresses the duty to explain and justify.
- responsibility
Broader and less formal; responsibility can be taken voluntarily and does not always require reporting to an external authority.
- liability
Narrower and legal in flavour; liability implies financial or legal obligation, not merely the duty to explain.
- impunity
Freedom from consequences or punishment; the opposite of being answerable to anyone.
- irresponsibility
Lack of concern for duties or consequences; the opposite of accepting that one must explain one's actions.
文法句型
answerability + to + noun phrase (the person/body you report to)
answerability + for + noun phrase (the matter you are responsible for)
answerability + of + noun phrase (the person who must answer)
用法筆記
Frequently used in contexts of governance, institutional oversight, and professional ethics. Unlike the more general 'responsibility', answerability always implies an authority or body that expects an explanation.