accountability, innovation, collision, inconsistency, trend: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 142. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. accountability · noun/əˌkaʊn.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/

   the obligation to explain, justify, and take responsibility for one's actions

   The management team emphasized the importance of accountability in ensuring that all projects are completed on time and within budget.

   Synonyms: responsibility, answerability, liability

   Origin: Late Middle English from 'account' + 'ability' (from Latin 'abitilitas')

2. innovation · noun/ɪnəˈveɪʃən/

   the process of creating new ideas or methods that improve products, services, or processes

   The company's commitment to innovation has led to the development of groundbreaking technologies that have transformed the industry.

   Synonyms: invention, novelty, improvement

   Origin: from Latin 'innovatio', from 'innovare' meaning 'to renew or change', composed of 'in-' (into) and 'novus' (new)

3. collision · noun/kəˈlɪʒ.ən/

   an instance of two or more objects coming together with force

   The collision between the two cars resulted in significant damage to both vehicles.

   Synonyms: crash, impact, encounter

   Origin: from Latin 'collisio', from 'collidere' meaning 'to strike together'

4. inconsistency · noun/ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənsɪ/

   the state of being contradictory or incompatible

   The inconsistency in his arguments led to confusion among the audience.

   Synonyms: discrepancy, contradiction

   Origin: from Middle French 'inconsistance' or Latin 'inconsistentia', from 'in-' (not) + 'consistere' (to stand together)

5. trend · noun/trɛnd/

   a general direction in which something is developing or changing

   The latest trend in fashion is leaning towards sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices.

   Synonyms: tendency, movement, direction

   Origin: Middle English 'trenden', from Old English 'trendan', meaning 'to turn or revolve'.