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
One key contributing factor is state income tax, the report notes.
—
Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 28 Dec. 2025
Authorities observed no signs of driver impairment and speed is not believed to have been a contributing factor, the sheriff's office said.
—Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 22 Dec. 2025
Sports uniforms are a contributing factor.
—Starre Vartan, CNN Money, 16 Dec. 2025
The lengthy hiring process could be one contributing factor to CHP’s previously high vacancy rate.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
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Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 28 Dec. 2025
Authorities observed no signs of driver impairment and speed is not believed to have been a contributing factor, the sheriff's office said.
—Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 22 Dec. 2025
Sports uniforms are a contributing factor.
—Starre Vartan, CNN Money, 16 Dec. 2025
The lengthy hiring process could be one contributing factor to CHP’s previously high vacancy rate.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 3 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 2025.
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