What does it mean to be "accountable"?

Being "accountable" means being responsible for one's actions and decisions. It encompasses the idea that an individual should be able to explain their reasoning, justify their actions, and accept the consequences of what they do. This trait is crucial in various contexts, particularly in professional and personal settings where trust, reliability, and ethics play a significant role.

The concept of accountability implies that a person acknowledges their obligations and is willing to be answerable to others. This aligns with the definition of being responsible, thus making it the accurate interpretation in the context of the question. In contrast, the other options represent states of being that are contrary to accountability, emphasizing lack of responsibility or awareness rather than embracing the proactive stance that accountability demands.