due to

preposition

: as a result of : because of
due to the complaints of uptight parents … he lost his jobHerbert Gold
Using Due to: Usage Guide

The objection to due to as a preposition is only a continuation of disagreements that began in the 18th century over the proper uses of owing and due. Due to is as grammatically sound as owing to, which is frequently recommended in its place. It has been and is used by reputable writers and has been recognized as standard for decades. There is no solid reason to avoid due to.

Examples of due to in a Sentence

evening classes were cancelled due to heavy snow
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This starburst activity results in a blue-colored, compact center, the coloration of which is due to young, hot massive stars. Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2025 The prime minister has been a staunch ally of Putin and has been at odds with the EU due to his support for the Kremlin. Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025 The Cardinals were forced to move away from their trapping style of defense due to the success of Hunter and Emma-Nnopu. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Mar. 2025 The star, which stands out due to its prominent diffraction spikes, is in our own galaxy, the Milky Way, and is 7,109 light-years from Earth. Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for due to

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of due to was in 1897

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Due to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/due%20to. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

due to

preposition
: because of

More from Merriam-Webster on due to

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