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
His turnover was a huge contributing factor to the Colts’ Week 15 loss that essentially ended their playoff hopes.
—
James Boyd, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Impairment is being investigated as a contributing factor of the crash.
—Aaron Valdez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Sep. 2025
Additionally, there are now regular screenings for autism spectrum disorder, which may be a contributing factor in increasing numbers of diagnoses.
—Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
Hypothermia was also a contributing factor.
—Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
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James Boyd, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Impairment is being investigated as a contributing factor of the crash.
—Aaron Valdez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Sep. 2025
Additionally, there are now regular screenings for autism spectrum disorder, which may be a contributing factor in increasing numbers of diagnoses.
—Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
Hypothermia was also a contributing factor.
—Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
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 5 Oct. 2025.
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