account for (something)
phrasal verb
accounted for (something); accounting for (something); accounts for (something)
1
: to give a reason or explanation for (something)
How do you account for your success?
2
: to be the cause of (something)
These new features account for the computer's higher price.
3
: to make up or form (a part of something)
Women account for only 25 percent of our employees.
4
US
: to think about (something) before doing something : to take (something) into consideration
The researchers failed to account for the fact that most of the students were poor.
Examples of account for (something) in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Data centers and data-transmission networks now account for as much as 1.5 percent of global electricity consumption, according to the International Energy Agency.
—
Arthur Holland Michel, The Atlantic, 5 July 2024
The mathematical equation for BMI doesn’t account for body composition.
—Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 3 July 2024
Wehry estimates that 70% of his calories per year are highly nutritious; training and contests account for only 30%.
—Matt Fuchs, TIME, 3 July 2024
In Hollywood, Latinos account for less than 6% of on-screen speaking roles.
—Cat Cardenas, Variety, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for account for (something) 
Arthur Holland Michel, The Atlantic, 5 July 2024
The mathematical equation for BMI doesn’t account for body composition.
—Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 3 July 2024
Wehry estimates that 70% of his calories per year are highly nutritious; training and contests account for only 30%.
—Matt Fuchs, TIME, 3 July 2024
In Hollywood, Latinos account for less than 6% of on-screen speaking roles.
—Cat Cardenas, Variety, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for account for (something)
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'account for (something).' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near account for (something)
Cite this Entry
“Account for (something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/account%20for%20%28something%29. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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