# contributory

/kənˈtɹɪbjəˌtɔɹi/ (US) · /kəntɹˈɪbjuːtəɹˌi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contributory
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.