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
The council has also warned about the risk of Americans driving under the influence of alcohol, as holidays often include celebrations involving alcohol consumption, which the NSC said is a major contributing factor to motor-vehicle crashes.
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Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
The removal of predators and competitors through overfishing is another contributing factor.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Investigators ruled out foul play and suspect alcohol as a contributing factor.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2025
Robert Sanchez’s inability to command his box was a contributing factor but Enzo Maresca’s side were often blindsided by runs into the box from behind their defensive line.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
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Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
The removal of predators and competitors through overfishing is another contributing factor.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Investigators ruled out foul play and suspect alcohol as a contributing factor.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2025
Robert Sanchez’s inability to command his box was a contributing factor but Enzo Maresca’s side were often blindsided by runs into the box from behind their defensive line.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 2025.
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