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
Plus, market historians say U.S. tariff levels are now set to exceed those of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, an economic policy often cited by economists as a contributing factor to the Great Depression.
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Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
The medical examiner did not believe that Evans’ initial contact with the police was a contributing factor in his death.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025
This reinforces the understanding that poor sleep is not just a symptom, but a contributing factor to mental health challenges.
—Lia Miller, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
Hypothermia was a contributing factor in his death, the autopsy said.
—Jean Casarez, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
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Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
The medical examiner did not believe that Evans’ initial contact with the police was a contributing factor in his death.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025
This reinforces the understanding that poor sleep is not just a symptom, but a contributing factor to mental health challenges.
—Lia Miller, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
Hypothermia was a contributing factor in his death, the autopsy said.
—Jean Casarez, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 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 13 May. 2025.
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