1. helping to cause or add to a result or situation
2. involving shared responsibility or blame
Usage: legal

Examples

• Poor weather was a contributory factor in the accident.
• Smoking is contributory to heart disease.
• The jury found contributory negligence on both sides.
• Several contributory causes led to the company's failure.
• Stress can be contributory to many health problems.
• The investigation revealed contributory factors beyond driver error.