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
Reports emerged in 2025 of at least one global investment firm removing Bitcoin from its recommendations, citing long-term quantum security uncertainty as a contributing factor.
—
Sandy Peng, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Weather was not a contributing factor in the collision, police said.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 27 May 2026
Officials added that weather conditions do not appear to have been a contributing factor in the incident.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
Investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol were a contributing factor in the crash.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
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Sandy Peng, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Weather was not a contributing factor in the collision, police said.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 27 May 2026
Officials added that weather conditions do not appear to have been a contributing factor in the incident.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
Investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol were a contributing factor in the crash.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 26 May 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 30 May. 2026.
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