On account of somebody/something Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Causality Emphasis Use 'on account of' to emphasize the reason or cause of an action or event. The game was postponed on account of heavy rain. Pro Tip 2/3Replacing 'Because' 'On account of' can replace 'because' for variety or to sound more formal. He apologized on account of his late arrival. Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation 'On account of' often appears in negative contexts, such as explaining problems or excuses. We're in debt on account of poor financial planning.