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
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The shutdown ended after 10 air traffic controllers stayed home, snarling air traffic – though TSA staffing shortages at some of the nation’s largest airports were also a contributing factor.
—
Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Advanced Alzheimer’s was also a contributing factor.
—Joy Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Although firefighting crews are still active, the staffing limitations delayed communication, which was flagged as a contributing factor in the blaze, as there were fewer rangers around to enforce fire restrictions.
—AFAR Media, 23 Oct. 2025
The certificate also listed epilepsy as a condition, though it was not identified as a contributing factor.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
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Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Advanced Alzheimer’s was also a contributing factor.
—Joy Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Although firefighting crews are still active, the staffing limitations delayed communication, which was flagged as a contributing factor in the blaze, as there were fewer rangers around to enforce fire restrictions.
—AFAR Media, 23 Oct. 2025
The certificate also listed epilepsy as a condition, though it was not identified as a contributing factor.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
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 8 Nov. 2025.
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