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
Police said while speeding is a contributing factor in this crash, the incident remains under investigation by the Plano Police Traffic Unit.
—
Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
Autopsies cited smoke inhalation as a contributing factor in their deaths.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly cited social media as a contributing factor to violence among young people.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
Deputies say excessive speed by the driver of the BMW is a possible contributing factor in the crash.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
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Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
Autopsies cited smoke inhalation as a contributing factor in their deaths.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly cited social media as a contributing factor to violence among young people.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
Deputies say excessive speed by the driver of the BMW is a possible contributing factor in the crash.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 30 Dec. 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 13 Jan. 2026.
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