contributory

[kuhn-trib-yuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]

adjective

1. pertaining to or of the nature of contribution; contributing.

2. furnishing something toward a result.

   a contributory factor.

   Synonyms: ancillary, accessory

3. of, relating to, or constituting an insurance or pension plan the premiums of which are paid partly by an employer and partly by employees.

4. subject to contribution or levy.

noun

plural

contributories 

1. a person or thing that contributes.

contributory

/ kənˈtrɪbjʊtərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. (often foll by to) sharing in or being partly responsible (for the cause of something)

   a contributory factor

2. giving or donating to a common purpose or fund

3. of, relating to, or designating an insurance or pension scheme in which the premiums are paid partly by the employer and partly by the employees who benefit from it

4. liable or subject to a tax or levy

noun

1. a person or thing that contributes

2. company law a member or former member of a company liable to contribute to the assets on the winding-up of the company

Other Word Forms

• noncontributory adjective
• uncontributory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contributory¹

1375–1425; late Middle English contributorie < Medieval Latin contribūtōrius. See contribute, -tory ¹

Example Sentences

An inquest into Gunner Beck's death earlier this year determined the Army's handling of the complaint played "more than a minimal contributory part in her death".

From BBC

He added that changes in land use, such as an increase in rewilding as well as rural depopulation, were also contributory factors.

From BBC

On a human level, anyone seeing the photographs from Prime Minister's Questions would be sympathetic, whatever the contributory factors.

From BBC

It said there was limited data on the scale of the problem, but cited evidence from staff surveys and information provided by safety experts that it was a contributory factor in safety incidents.

From BBC

Failings in his care "were probably contributory factors to the patient's decision to end his life", her report suggests.

From BBC