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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hypothermia was a contributing factor in his death, the autopsy said. Jean Casarez, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025 Excessive speed was likely a contributing factor in both crashes, according to preliminary findings in the Independence Police Department’s investigation. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025 One contributing factor could be a new Florida law that bans outdoor sleeping and camping in public spaces. Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2025 Another contributing factor could be the rise in near beer. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contributing factor

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contributing factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contributing%20factor. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!