by reason of

Idioms  

1. Because of, owing to, as in By reason of a crop failure, the price of coffee is bound to rise. This expression is considered quite formal today. [c. 1300]

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Example Sentences

They have “the right to own, use, develop and control the lands, territories and resources that they possess by reason of traditional ownership or other traditional occupation or use.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

In a November 2023 response to the complaint, he disputed that Saxon “has sustained any injury, damage, or loss by reason of any act, omission or breach by Defendant.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

Her lawyers had argued she was not guilty by reason of insanity and that the death of her husband in 2017 sent her into a depressive spiral.

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

Judge Lady Ross said: "Having regard to the psychiatric evidence, I acquit you of the charges on this indictment by reason of the special defence lodged on your behalf."

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2025

He had struck root in Joe’s establishment, by reason of my sister’s sudden fancy for him, or I should have tried to get him dismissed.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens