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
For a team that practiced all week in sunny Los Angeles, the weather was probably a contributing factor in that performance.
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Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026
The new findings ruled that his death was accidental and probably stemmed from an undiagnosed condition — but noted that Naroditsky had ingested both methamphetamine and kratom, and that likely was a contributing factor.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Impairment is being investigated as a possible contributing factor to the collision.
—Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Jan. 2026
The outcome of the challenge was a contributing factor in his exit, Sprowls said.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
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Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026
The new findings ruled that his death was accidental and probably stemmed from an undiagnosed condition — but noted that Naroditsky had ingested both methamphetamine and kratom, and that likely was a contributing factor.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Impairment is being investigated as a possible contributing factor to the collision.
—Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Jan. 2026
The outcome of the challenge was a contributing factor in his exit, Sprowls said.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 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 27 Jan. 2026.
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