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 Merc’s financial sustainability was the main contributing factor to the company’s decision to close that location, that spokesperson said at the time.
—
Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
In 2026 so far, there have been more than 3,500 deaths in the United States where COVID-19 was either the underlying cause or a contributing factor.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Mar. 2026
The main contributing factor to the rise in gas prices is what is unfolding more than 7,000 miles away in Iran.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
The remaining question was whether Carlton’s abuse was a substantial contributing factor, under the statute, when Wilkens killed him — a point the defense sought to establish through Angela Beatty, the social worker who previously testified at Tyesha Long’s hearing.
—Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
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Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
In 2026 so far, there have been more than 3,500 deaths in the United States where COVID-19 was either the underlying cause or a contributing factor.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Mar. 2026
The main contributing factor to the rise in gas prices is what is unfolding more than 7,000 miles away in Iran.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
The remaining question was whether Carlton’s abuse was a substantial contributing factor, under the statute, when Wilkens killed him — a point the defense sought to establish through Angela Beatty, the social worker who previously testified at Tyesha Long’s hearing.
—Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
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 4 Apr. 2026.
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