account for

British  

verb

1. to give reasons for (an event, act, etc)

2. to make or provide a reckoning of (expenditure, payments, etc)

3. to be responsible for destroying, killing, or putting (people, aircraft, etc) out of action

---

account for Idioms  

1. Be the determining factor in; cause. For example, The heat wave accounts for all this food spoilage , or Icy roads account for the increase in accidents .

2. Explain or justify, as in Jane was upset because her son couldn't account for the three hours between his last class and his arrival at home . Both of these related usages are derived from the literal meaning of the phrase, that is, “make a reckoning of an account.” [Second half of 1700s]

---

Example Sentences

Organic sales, which account for revenue generated from existing operations, rose 2.4%.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rising diesel prices stemming from the conflict poses an elevated risk to Tidlor as its truck title loan exposure accounts for 16% of total loans, the analyst says.

From The Wall Street Journal

And consumer spending matters enormously; it accounts for roughly 70% of the entire U.S. economy.

From Barron's

And consumer spending matters enormously; it accounts for roughly 70% of the entire U.S. economy.

From Barron's

David Blanchett, head of retirement research for Prudential Financial, uses flexible taxable accounts for his family’s investments.

From The Wall Street Journal