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 say the car may have been speeding and preliminary evidence suggests alcohol may have been a contributing factor.
—
Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
The resale market is another contributing factor.
—Jared Bahir Browsh, The Conversation, 9 June 2026
The center noted Hogan's history of atrial fibrillation, a condition resulting in irregular and rapid heart rhythm, was a contributing factor.
—Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Environmental exposure was considered a contributing factor, and the manner of death was ruled accidental.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
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Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
The resale market is another contributing factor.
—Jared Bahir Browsh, The Conversation, 9 June 2026
The center noted Hogan's history of atrial fibrillation, a condition resulting in irregular and rapid heart rhythm, was a contributing factor.
—Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Environmental exposure was considered a contributing factor, and the manner of death was ruled accidental.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 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 19 Jun. 2026.
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