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/in

The 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

Cote led the Vikings to another crack at the championship after missing last season with an injury, which was a contributing factor in Wareham’s second-round exit last season against Holland Tech. —Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

The chief contributing factor for reductions is fewer students enrolling in Ramona Unified schools. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

Spain’s economy is booming, and many consider lower energy costs a contributing factor. —Meera Subramanian, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2026

On March 7, 2025, authorities announced Hackman had died of hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing factor. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026

Rhymes for contributing factor

• acter
• actor
• tractor
• attractor
• cofactor
• compactor
• contactor
• contractor
• distractor
• extractor
• impactor
• protractor