Legal Definitions - contributory

Definition: Contributory (pronounced kuhn-trib-yuh-tawr-ee) means tending to bring about a result or having a duty to contribute. It can also refer to a pension fund that receives contributions from both the employer and employees.

Examples:

• Her hard work was contributory to the success of the project.
• The company's contributory pension plan required both the employer and employees to make contributions.
• In the past, a person who was a member of a corporation was considered a contributory and could be held liable for the corporation's debts upon its winding up.

The first example shows how someone's actions can contribute to a positive outcome. The second example illustrates how a pension plan can be contributory by requiring contributions from both parties. The third example is a historical use of the term, where being a member of a corporation made someone a contributory who could be held responsible for the corporation's debts.