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
Human error—a contributing factor in most crashes, if not their direct cause—can also stem from equipment failure, as in the case of Pan Am Flight 812 in 1974 and Air France Flight 447 in 2009.
—
Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2025
None of the charges brought by the state allege that alcohol was a contributing factor in the accident.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
Another contributing factor to it sticking around is how much parents engaged with this one.
—Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 29 Dec. 2024
Another contributing factor has to do with the changing socialization patterns of younger generations.
—Solcyré Burga, TIME, 1 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contributing factor
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.
Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2025
None of the charges brought by the state allege that alcohol was a contributing factor in the accident.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
Another contributing factor to it sticking around is how much parents engaged with this one.
—Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 29 Dec. 2024
Another contributing factor has to do with the changing socialization patterns of younger generations.
—Solcyré Burga, TIME, 1 Jan. 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 27 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share