avoidance of accountability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoidance of accountability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing responsibility, ethics, or behavior, particularly when referring to someone or a group not taking responsibility for their actions. Example: "The company's culture fosters an environment of avoidance of accountability, leading to repeated mistakes without any consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The verdict was a remix of the denial of reality and avoidance of accountability that the government has used all along to avoid the bitter truth behind Abu Ghraib: The abuses grew out of President Bush's decision to ignore the Geneva Conventions and American law in handling prisoners after Sept. 11, 2001.

The New York Times

Victims and their families struggle to have their stories acknowledged, and the U.S.' systematic avoidance of accountability for war crimes implicitly denies their right to be considered human beings.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As Jane Mayer writes in the magazine this week, the President, when it comes to torture, has preferred avoidance to accountability.

The New Yorker

The age of accountability has arrived".

The New York Times

"We need conduct of accountability from them".

The New York Times

"Chores build a sense of accountability.

Independent

The lack of accountability is galling.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a rare kind of accountability.

The New York Times

Lines of accountability are stretched thin.

The Economist

The opponents of accountability nearly succeeded.

The New Yorker

Then there is the matter of accountability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing institutional failures, use "avoidance of accountability" to highlight a systemic problem rather than individual negligence. For example, "The inquiry revealed a pattern of "avoidance of accountability" within the organization."

Common error

Don't use "avoidance of accountability" when the issue is simply a lack of oversight or clear procedures. "Avoidance of accountability" implies a deliberate attempt to evade responsibility, whereas lack of oversight suggests a structural deficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoidance of accountability" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or practice where responsibility is evaded. Ludwig provides examples of it in use within news articles and academic papers.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avoidance of accountability" effectively conveys a lack of responsibility, particularly in contexts where individuals or organizations evade ownership of their actions. While Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, its relative infrequency suggests that alternative phrases like "evasion of responsibility" might be more common. As seen from Ludwig's examples, the phrase appears in news and academic contexts, indicating its appropriateness for formal and neutral discussions. To ensure correct usage, distinguish "avoidance of accountability" from situations of simple oversight, as the phrase carries a connotation of deliberate evasion. By understanding these nuances, writers can use "avoidance of accountability" with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evasion of responsibility

Focuses on the act of actively evading responsibility.

shirking responsibility

Emphasizes the neglect or abandonment of responsibility.

failure to be accountable

Highlights the lack of accountability rather than the active avoidance.

lack of responsibility

Describes a general absence of responsible behavior.

denial of responsibility

Indicates a refusal to acknowledge responsibility.

escape from accountability

Conveys the sense of fleeing or escaping the consequences of one's actions.

circumvention of accountability

Focuses on finding ways around being held accountable.

neglect of duty

Emphasizes the failure to fulfill one's obligations.

disregard for accountability

Suggests a lack of concern for being held accountable.

absence of consequences

Highlights the lack of repercussions for actions, implying a failure of accountability.

FAQs

What does "avoidance of accountability" mean in the context of organizational behavior?

In organizational behavior, "avoidance of accountability" refers to a situation where individuals or groups within an organization evade responsibility for their actions or decisions, often leading to a lack of transparency and potential ethical issues.

How can I address "avoidance of accountability" in my workplace?

Addressing "avoidance of accountability" involves establishing clear roles and responsibilities, implementing performance metrics, and fostering a culture of transparency and open communication. Consider alternatives like "establishing responsibility".

What are some consequences of the "avoidance of accountability" in government?

The consequences can include corruption, inefficiency, and a loss of public trust. Systemic "evasion of responsibility" can erode the foundations of democratic governance.

Is "avoidance of accountability" always intentional, or can it be unintentional?

While it often implies intentional evasion, "avoidance of accountability" can sometimes be unintentional, resulting from unclear expectations, inadequate training, or a poorly defined organizational structure. Focusing on "establishing clear expectations" can reduce unintentional instances.