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
However, investigators contend carbon monoxide caused by the incomplete combustion of the home’s oil furnace was a contributing factor.
—
Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 5 Dec. 2024
The Taser wasn’t a contributing factor in Whitfield’s death, Kroll said.
—Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Dec. 2024
Based on conversations among Times staffers, though, at least one contributing factor has been underappreciated: time.
—Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
Housing costs remain the top contributing factor to financial stress for active-duty family members.
—Thomas Bostick, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contributing factor 
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Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 5 Dec. 2024
The Taser wasn’t a contributing factor in Whitfield’s death, Kroll said.
—Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Dec. 2024
Based on conversations among Times staffers, though, at least one contributing factor has been underappreciated: time.
—Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
Housing costs remain the top contributing factor to financial stress for active-duty family members.
—Thomas Bostick, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contributing factor
Dictionary Entries Near contributing factor
Cite this Entry
“Contributing factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contributing%20factor. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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