contributing factor

noun

: something that helps cause a result

According to the police report of the accident, excessive speed was a contributing factor.

—often + to/in

The coach's positive attitude was a contributing factor to/in the team's success.

Examples of contributing factor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

George Tzikas, a Sacramento County Regional Parks ranger, explained that the river’s currents can change, and that its underwater topography is often a contributing factor in many rescues. — Reeti Malhotra july 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

Deputies found Pelosi a short time later and identified him as the person responsible for the crash, the sheriff’s office said, adding that alcohol was ruled out as a contributing factor. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 7 July 2026

The investigation remains ongoing, and impairment is believed to be a contributing factor, DiMartino said. — Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026

The 9/11 Commission later identified the communication failures as a contributing factor in the loss of first responder lives that day. — Mariam Sorond, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Rhymes for contributing factor

• acter
• actor
• tractor
• attractor
• cofactor
• compactor
• contactor
• contractor
• distractor
• extractor
• impactor
• protractor