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 con·trib·u·to·ries.

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 Words From

• noncon·tribu·tory adjective noun plural noncontributories
• uncon·tribu·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contributory¹

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

Example Sentences

It draws on the experience of Finland, where homelessness was effectively reduced by a policy of providing secure accommodation for people, with wrap-around support for contributory issues such as mental health problems and addiction.

From BBC

However, the presenter denied humiliating his guest, and on Tuesday the coroner ruled that his treatment of Mr Dymond was not a "contributory factor" to the death.

From BBC

Mr Flack said that transection of the left axillary artery – the main artery to the arm – was also a contributory cause to her death.

From BBC

An unfortunate consequence though, he said, was that his workshops attracted hate mail from Neo-Nazis and was a contributory factor to him fleeing his native country.

From BBC

Other contributory factors included drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine.

From Salon