English Reference

Word

contribution

Phoneticscon·tri·bu·tion, stress on the third syllable

US/ˌkɑntɹəbˈjuʃən/

UK/kˌɒntɹɪbjˈuːʃən/

Definitions

01an item or idea given

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. something you provide, like an idea or a piece of writing, that adds to a larger project.

n. an individual component, such as an article, idea, or suggestion, provided to a larger work or project.

“The editor thanked her for her valuable contribution to the monthly magazine.”

“Each researcher provided a unique contribution to the final report, ensuring that every aspect of the environmental impact was thoroughly addressed.”

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'to'.

02money given

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. an amount of money you give to help pay for something or to help a charity.

n. a sum of money donated to a cause, fund, or organisation.

“The charity received a generous contribution from an anonymous donor.”

“The government matched every private contribution to the disaster relief fund, effectively doubling the total amount raised within forty-eight hours.”

03an achievement or help

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the help or work you do that leads to a result or progress.

n. the act of playing a part in a process that results in progress or success.

“His contribution to the team's victory was praised by the coach.”

“The scientist was awarded a prestigious medal for her significant contribution to the field of cancer research over the last decade.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “contribution” in context.

Verb

01. evaluate contribution

“The committee will evaluate each member's contribution to the project before the final review.”

verb + noun

02. examine contribution

“Historians continue to examine his contribution to the civil rights movement.”

verb + noun

03. make contribution

“Everyone is encouraged to make a small contribution to the local charity fund.”

verb + noun

04. represent contribution

“These findings represent a major contribution to our understanding of genetics.”

verb + noun

Adjective

05. important contribution

“She made an important contribution to the team's success this season.”

adj + noun

06. independent contribution

“The researcher was recognized for her independent contribution to the study.”

adj + noun

07. positive contribution

“Volunteering at the shelter is a great way to make a positive contribution to the community.”

adj + noun

08. significant contribution

“The new technology has made a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions.”

adj + noun

09. specific contribution

“Can you outline your specific contribution to the development of this software?”

adj + noun

10. substantial contribution

“The wealthy businessman made a substantial contribution to the university's building fund.”

adj + noun

11. unique contribution

“Each culture brings a unique contribution to the global community.”

adj + noun

Noun

12. contribution depend

“The success of the event and each person's contribution depend on clear communication.”

noun + verb

Real-World Examples

“Put on some pants!’” That essay inspired him to write and direct How Do You Remember Me?, his half-hour contribution to the Amazon series Modern Love .”
The Guardian 13 Aug 2026
“For those hitting the state pension milestone today, as long as they've made 35 years of National Insurance contributions, they're entitled to £241.30 a week.”
BBC News 30 Jun 2026
“So, if you choose the minimum contribution base, you will receive a total of €1,029.41 per month, while if you choose the maximum base, you will receive €2,030 per month.”
The Local 14 Aug 2026
“You do of course, however, pay for it through your social security contributions.”
The Local 13 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Middle English contribucioun, contribucion, from Old French contribution, from Latin contribūtiōnem, contribūtiō, from Latin contribuēre. By surface analysis, contribute + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

contribution(B2)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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