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

The boy was infected with measles, which is listed on the death certificate as a contributing factor. — CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Preliminary investigation suggests that alcohol impairment was not a contributing factor to the collision, police said. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026

The collision is under investigation and police say alcohol may be contributing factor. — Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Sep. 2026

Speeding has been a major contributing factor in Long Beach’s recent rash of fatal crashes. — Jacob Sisneros, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for contributing factor

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