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Prepositions after adjectives

How to use “unaccounted for”

“Unaccounted for” means missing, unexplained, or not included in calculations or records.

Quick answer

Meaning of “unaccounted for”

Use “unaccounted for” when people, money, items, or facts are missing or not explained. The preposition “for” is fixed in this expression.

Two hikers are still unaccounted for after the storm.
Several expenses remained unaccounted for in the report.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
unaccounted for after + event

Missing people or items

Often used after accidents, disasters, or searches.

Three passengers remain unaccounted for after the crash.
2
unaccounted for in + report/data

Not included or explained

Use this pattern for figures, details, or causes missing from analysis.

The extra costs were unaccounted for in the budget.
3
remain unaccounted for

Continuing unresolved situations

“Remain” is common when the situation is still unresolved.

Several files remain unaccounted for despite the audit.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
unaccounted for
One worker is still unaccounted for.
Missing or not explained.
accounted for
All payments have been accounted for.
Included, explained, or located.
unaccounted
“Unaccounted” alone is less common and often incomplete.
English usually prefers “unaccounted for”.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Omitting “for”

The adjective phrase normally includes the preposition.

✕ Two bags are unaccounted. ✓ Two bags are unaccounted for.

Using it for deliberate absence

The phrase usually suggests uncertainty or missing information.

✕ She was unaccounted for because she chose not to attend. ✓ She was absent because she chose not to attend.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Two children are still unaccounted ___ after the flood.
2. Several costs remained unaccounted ___ the final report.
3. All inventory has been accounted ___.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “unaccounted for” mean?

It means missing, unexplained, or not included in records or calculations.

Can it describe people?

Yes. It is common in news reports about disasters or emergencies.

Is “unaccounted” enough without “for”?

Usually no. Standard English strongly prefers “unaccounted for”.

ubiquitous in, on, across, throughout or for? "ugly in", "ugly for" or "ugly of"? ultimate in, of, for, on or as? "unacceptable to", "unacceptable in" or "unacceptable for"? unaccustomed to or in? unacquainted with unaffected by, in, for or with? "unaffordable for" or "unaffordable to"? unanimous in, on, about, regarding or for? "unattractive to" or "unattractive for"? "unavailable for" or "unavailable to"? unaware of or about?

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