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
On March 7, 2025, authorities announced Hackman had died of hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing factor.
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Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, businesses are slightly increasing compensation, with inflation as a contributing factor, producing mixed effects for workers and owners.
—Victoria Baeza Garcia, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
How perfectionism makes athletes vulnerable One contributing factor for disordered eating is an athlete’s temperament, since certain traits also show up as risk factors for eating disorders.
—Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
The report additionally noted chronic alcohol use as a contributing factor in her death, which was ruled an accident.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
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Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, businesses are slightly increasing compensation, with inflation as a contributing factor, producing mixed effects for workers and owners.
—Victoria Baeza Garcia, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
How perfectionism makes athletes vulnerable One contributing factor for disordered eating is an athlete’s temperament, since certain traits also show up as risk factors for eating disorders.
—Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
The report additionally noted chronic alcohol use as a contributing factor in her death, which was ruled an accident.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Feb. 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 24 Feb. 2026.
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