Meaning & Definition
adjective
Required to explain or justify actions or decisions; accountable.
As the project manager, he is answerable for the team’s performance and outcomes.
Capable of being answered; that can be responded to.
The question was clear and answerable, allowing the students to respond confidently.
Obligated to provide information or justification.
She is answerable to the board of directors for the company’s financial decisions.
Etymology
Derived from Middle English 'answerable', from 'answer' + '-able'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
answerable to:
Being obliged to give a reason for one's actions to someone.
not answerable for:
Not responsible for; not required to explain.
answerable question:
A question that can be answered specifically.
Slang Meanings
Being held to account in a casual context.
If you screw up, you're totally answerable, dude!
Being questioned about one's actions informally.
At the party, everyone was like 'Who’s answerable for the mess?'