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/inThe 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
The outcome of the challenge was a contributing factor in his exit, Sprowls said.
—
Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
The Act requires the violence or abuse to have been a ‘substantial contributing factor’ in the later criminal conduct.
—Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 13 Jan. 2026
The abrupt and untimely death of Cargill’s former attorney Kell Mercer may have been a contributing factor to the need to reenter bankruptcy, according to Stephen Sather, his current attorney.
—Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
Although the cause of the accident remains unclear, the investigation remains ongoing and officers believe speed may have been a contributing factor.
—Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
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Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
The Act requires the violence or abuse to have been a ‘substantial contributing factor’ in the later criminal conduct.
—Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 13 Jan. 2026
The abrupt and untimely death of Cargill’s former attorney Kell Mercer may have been a contributing factor to the need to reenter bankruptcy, according to Stephen Sather, his current attorney.
—Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
Although the cause of the accident remains unclear, the investigation remains ongoing and officers believe speed may have been a contributing factor.
—Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
Cite this Entry
“Contributing factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contributing%20factor. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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