attribution

noun

at·​tri·​bu·​tion ˌa-trə-ˈbyü-shən 

plural attributions

1

: the act of attributing something

especially : the ascribing of a work (as of literature or art) to a particular author or artist

2

: an ascribed quality, character, or right

Supernatural powers were attributions of the gods.

3

psychology : the interpretive process by which people make judgments about the causes of their own behavior and the behavior of others

Psychologists have long documented what they call the fundamental attribution error, the tendency for people to explain human behavior in terms of the traits of individual actors, even when powerful situational forces are at work.

—Erica Goode

attributional

ˌa-trə-ˈbyü-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of attribution

• attribute
• characteristic
• feature
• quality
• trait
• criterion

Examples of attribution in a Sentence

a genuine respect for one another is one of the most commonly cited attributions of a happily married couple

Recent Examples on the Web

The group is looking at deal count, board seats, and deal attribution. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

The integration also includes direct attribution through measurement firm Kochava, which promises to give studios and advertisers greater visibility into how campaigns and audience engagement translate into ticket sales. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

The integration also enables direct attribution through Kochava, giving studios and advertisers greater visibility into how campaigns and audience engagement translate into ticket sales. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026

The allegations remain contested, with questions about attribution and the involvement of third-party intermediaries unresolved. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see attribute entry 1

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for attribution

• absolution
• allocution
• comminution
• constitution
• contribution
• convolution
• destitution
• devolution
• diminution
• dissolution
• distribution
• elocution

Legal Definition

attribution

noun

at·​tri·​bu·​tion ˌa-trə-ˈbyü-shən 

: a rule in tax law that in certain cases deems property owned by one person or business entity to be owned by another or others