contributory negligence

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noun Law.

negligence on the part of an injured party that combines with the negligence of another in causing the injury, sometimes so as to diminish or bar the recovery of damages for the injury.

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Origin of contributory negligence

First recorded in 1870–75

Words nearby contributory negligence

contrib., contribute, contribution, contributor, contributory, contributory negligence, con trick, contrite, contrition, contrivance, contrive

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use contributory negligence in a sentence

He contracted Hepatitis C from drug use, which was a contributory factor in his death.
The Secrets of Britain’s Wildest Aristocrats|Tom Sykes|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sully decides to face the truth of what his negligence has sown.
The Stacks: The Eyes of Winter: Paul Newman at 70|Peter Richmond|October 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When it comes to the practice of democracy, Americans now have few illusions about our own incompetence, division, and negligence.
Is Democracy Doomed Abroad?|James Poulos|August 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If convicted of negligence in this case, Lagarde could face a year in jail and a fine up to €15,000 ($20,000).
IMF Chief Lagarde Placed Under Formal Investigation in France|Tracy McNicoll|August 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The office should not be able to treat a matter of such importance with such negligence without any redress.
Parents Sue for 'Wrongful Birth'|Elizabeth Picciuto|August 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Having done this, the proof of negligence or want of care is thrown on the bailor.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
The bailor is not responsible generally for any negligence of the hirer in operating the car.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
Yet it is liable for ordinary negligence in protecting passengers from loss by theft.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
Street railways are constantly sued by passengers who are injured through the negligence of its officials.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
The court found Byng guilty of negligence in not having done his utmost in the endeavour to relieve Minorca.
The Portsmouth Road and Its Tributaries|Charles G. Harper

British Dictionary definitions for contributory negligence

contributory negligence

noun

law failure by an injured person to have taken proper precautions to prevent an accident

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012