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
One contributing factor is inconsistent adherence to preventive behaviors.
—
Care Resource, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
Speeding was the single largest contributing factor to fatal and serious injury crashes last year.
—Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
The Merc’s financial sustainability was the main contributing factor to the company’s decision to close that location, that spokesperson said at the time.
—Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
In 2026 so far, there have been more than 3,500 deaths in the United States where COVID-19 was either the underlying cause or a contributing factor.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
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Care Resource, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
Speeding was the single largest contributing factor to fatal and serious injury crashes last year.
—Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
The Merc’s financial sustainability was the main contributing factor to the company’s decision to close that location, that spokesperson said at the time.
—Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
In 2026 so far, there have been more than 3,500 deaths in the United States where COVID-19 was either the underlying cause or a contributing factor.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Mar. 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 10 Apr. 2026.
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