'traceability' originates from modern English, formed by combining the verb 'trace' with the adjective-forming suffix '-able' and the noun-forming suffix '-ity'; '-able' derives from Latin '-abilis' meaning 'capable of', and '-ity' from Latin '-itas' meaning 'state or condition'.

'trace' changed from Old French 'tracier' (to draw, trace), which ultimately comes from Latin roots such as 'tractare'/'tractus' (to handle, draw or pull); the English verb developed into Middle English forms like 'tracen' and later modern English 'trace', and the compound formation using '-able' and '-ity' produced 'traceability'.

Initially, 'trace' referred primarily to a mark, track, or the action of drawing or following a line; over time derivatives like 'traceable' and 'traceability' developed the specialized sense of the capability or condition of being able to follow origin, history, authenticity, or path.