unaccountable
gb/ˌʌnəkˈaʊntəbəl/ us/ˌʌnəkˈaʊntəbəl/
C1
English
~ 9200
megmagyarázhatatlan, elszámoltathatatlan
C1
1
Usage pattern:
[something] is unaccountable
For some unaccountable reason, he refused the promotion.
Valami megmagyarázhatatlan okból visszautasította az előléptetést.
There was an unaccountable delay in receiving the test results.
Megmagyarázhatatlan késés volt a teszteredmények megérkezésében.
She felt an unaccountable fear as she walked into the empty house.
The machine shut down for reasons that were completely unaccountable.
His sudden interest in politics seemed totally unaccountable to his friends.
Learner examples
For some unaccountable reason, the bus never came.
Valami megmagyarázhatatlan okból a busz soha nem jött meg.
I have an unaccountable feeling that something is wrong.
Megmagyarázhatatlan érzésem van, hogy valami nincs rendben.
There was an unaccountable change in her mood.
His behavior last night was unaccountable.
The lights went out for an unaccountable reason.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "unaccountable" with "uncountable." "Unaccountable" means something cannot be explained, while "uncountable" is used in grammar for nouns like "water" and means you cannot count individual units. Learners may also think it means "not counted," but that is not the usual meaning.
Meaning
Impossible to explain or understand
Collocations
for some unaccountable reason
|quite unaccountable
|seemingly unaccountable
|an unaccountable change
|unaccountable fear
|unaccountable attraction
Synonyms
inexplicable (Very close in meaning; often slightly more formal and common in written English.)
|
mysterious (Suggests something strange or secretive as well as hard to explain.)
Antonyms
understandable (Emphasizes that there is a clear reason or meaning.)
|
explainable (Focuses on the fact that a logical explanation can be given.)
Themes
thinking
|description
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not possible to explain or understand; with no clear reason.
Not able to be explained or understood; having no clear or logical reason.
C1
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is unaccountable to [someone/a group]
The agency wields enormous, largely unaccountable power over citizens' lives.
Az ügynökség óriási, nagyrészt elszámoltathatatlan hatalmat gyakorol az állampolgárok élete felett.
These private companies are effectively unaccountable to the public.
Ezek a magánvállalatok gyakorlatilag elszámoltathatatlanok a nyilvánosság előtt.
Without free media, leaders can become unaccountable to the people they govern.
The board operates in secret and is unaccountable to any elected body.
Learner examples
In a democracy, the government should not be unaccountable to voters.
Egy demokráciában a kormány nem lehet elszámoltathatatlan a választókkal szemben.
The police must not be unaccountable to the law.
A rendőrség sem állhat a törvény felett.
Some online platforms are almost unaccountable to anyone.
Many people fear leaders who are unaccountable to the public.
No organization should be completely unaccountable for its actions.
Common mistake:
Learners may mix this sense with the "impossible to explain" meaning. When followed by "to" (unaccountable to the public), it usually means "not responsible or answerable." When used with "reason" (for some unaccountable reason), it means "impossible to explain." Learners also sometimes use the wrong preposition, saying *"unaccountable for the voters"* when they mean "unaccountable to the voters." Use "to" for the person or group you should answer to, and "for" for specific actions or results.
Meaning
Not answerable or responsible to others
Collocations
politically unaccountable
|remain unaccountable
|unaccountable officials
|unaccountable power
|unaccountable institutions
|largely unaccountable
Synonyms
unanswerable (Stresses not having to respond or justify actions to others.)
|
unchecked (Focuses on the lack of control or limits rather than the duty to explain.)
Antonyms
accountable (Direct opposite; required to explain and take responsibility for actions.)
|
answerable (Emphasizes being responsible to someone who can question or judge you.)
Themes
politics
|law
|society
|business
Definition
Not having to explain or justify your actions to another person or group; not under their control.
Not required to explain or justify one’s actions to another person, group, or authority; not subject to control or oversight.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unaccountable
IPA
GB/ˌʌnəkˈaʊntəbəl/
US/ˌʌnəkˈaʊntəbəl/
Syllables & stress
un - ac - count - able (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (count)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: unaccountable
Word family
Core family
Related words
accountant
noun B1
accounting
noun
Negative and opposite forms
unaccountably
adverb
unaccountability
noun
Expressions
for some unaccountable reason
1/fɚ sˈʌm ˌʌnəkˈaʊntəbəl ɹˈizən/
fixed phrase
For a reason that is unclear
Used when you do not know or cannot explain why something happens.
Examples
- For some unaccountable reason, the kids love that terrible song.
- For some unaccountable reason, my computer only crashes when I really need it.
- She dislikes him, for some unaccountable reason, even though he has always been kind.
unaccountable for
1/ˌʌnəkˈaʊntəbəl fɚ/
fixed phrase
formal
Not responsible or liable for something
Used to say that someone does not have to take responsibility or blame for something.
Examples
- The company claims it is unaccountable for damage caused by independent contractors.
- No one wants to be unaccountable for the safety of their customers.
- He argued that he was unaccountable for decisions made before he joined the team.
unaccountable to
1/ˌʌnəkˈaʊntəbəl tə/
fixed phrase
formal
Not required to answer to someone
Used to say that a person or group does not have to explain or justify their actions to another person or group.
Examples
- The committee is unaccountable to voters and meets behind closed doors.
- Many citizens fear organizations that are unaccountable to any public authority.
- These companies are almost completely unaccountable to local communities.