contributory
adj. C1 Advanced US //kənˈtɹɪbjəˌtɔɹi// UK //kəntɹˈɪbjuːtəɹˌi// con·trib·u·to·ry
adj. helping to cause something, especially a problem or an accident. It describes a factor that adds to a result but is not the main reason.
adj. serving to contribute to a result, especially a negative one such as an accident or a problem. Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe a secondary cause.
The icy road was a contributory factor in the accident.
The court found that the driver's failure to check the brakes was a contributory cause of the collision.
While the primary cause of the fire was an electrical fault, the lack of proper fire escapes was identified as a contributory factor that exacerbated the damage.