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
In addition to the number of Coloradans with multiple jobs, burnout is a big contributing factor to the state’s placement in the top 10.
—
Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 26 Nov. 2025
There was a point of contention Monday after reports stated a failed bid to sign WNBA star Caitlin Clark to the Curry Brand was a contributing factor in the demise of his Under Armour deal.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 25 Nov. 2025
Neither drugs nor alcohol appears to be a contributing factor in the collision, police said.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 24 Nov. 2025
Another contributing factor is net migration.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
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Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 26 Nov. 2025
There was a point of contention Monday after reports stated a failed bid to sign WNBA star Caitlin Clark to the Curry Brand was a contributing factor in the demise of his Under Armour deal.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 25 Nov. 2025
Neither drugs nor alcohol appears to be a contributing factor in the collision, police said.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 24 Nov. 2025
Another contributing factor is net migration.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 23 Nov. 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 Dec. 2025.
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