due to

preposition

: as a result of : because of

… due to the complaints of uptight parents … he lost his job …

—Herbert 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.

Synonyms of due to

• with

Examples of due to in a Sentence

evening classes were cancelled due to heavy snow

Recent Examples on the Web

According to a 2020 Department of Defense study, a staggering 77% of young Americans do not qualify for military service due to health concerns. — Stanley McChrystal, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026

Among the latter group, some respondents said their employees would not be eligible due to higher incomes. — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

If an outer or inner layer shatters — due to structural loads, bird strike or thermal stress — the additional layers maintain cabin pressure and structural integrity. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026

Now, officials are saying the center must close temporarily due to risks associated with those same leaks. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for due to

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

due to

preposition

: because of