Simple Examples:
* His reckless driving was a contributory factor in the accident. (meaning it was partly responsible)
* The employee's negligence was deemed contributory to the data breach. (meaning it played a role in causing the breach)
More Complex Examples:
* The report found that both parties were contributory to the breakdown in negotiations, with each side failing to compromise. (showing multiple contributors)
* The company's poor communication was a contributory factor in the decline in customer satisfaction. (highlighting a specific factor)
* While the financial crisis was a major factor, a number of smaller, contributory events also led to the company's downfall. (showing a combination of factors)
Remember: "Contributory" implies that something played a role in causing something else, but it doesn't necessarily mean it was the sole cause.