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
Another contributing factor is underage drinking while driving.
—
Hali Smith,
Idaho Statesman,
18 June 2026
The report points to the adoption and use of Airbus' A320s — the world's best-selling aircraft — which United, American, and Delta Air Lines currently operate, as a contributing factor to the increase in fume events.
—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
Along with the appointment of Advocaat and a dip into the diaspora to recruit players, the sense of professionalism that came with this funding was a contributing factor to them qualifying for their first ever World Cup.
—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
Police say the car may have been speeding and preliminary evidence suggests alcohol may have been a contributing factor.
—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Hali Smith,
Idaho Statesman,
18 June 2026
The report points to the adoption and use of Airbus' A320s — the world's best-selling aircraft — which United, American, and Delta Air Lines currently operate, as a contributing factor to the increase in fume events.
—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
Along with the appointment of Advocaat and a dip into the diaspora to recruit players, the sense of professionalism that came with this funding was a contributing factor to them qualifying for their first ever World Cup.
—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
Police say the car may have been speeding and preliminary evidence suggests alcohol may have been a contributing factor.
—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 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 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
