failure by an injured person to have taken proper precautions to prevent an accident
contributory negligence in American English
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
Word origin
[1870–75]This word is first recorded in the period 1870–75. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Mafia, billing, giveaway, upgrade, washout
Examples of 'contributory negligence' in a sentence
contributory negligence
There is contributory negligence in this disturbing prospect.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The judge assessed contributory negligence at 30 per cent.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
A degree of contributory negligence was involved.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
His final award will be reduced because of contributory negligence.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The claimant's contributory negligence should be 33 per cent.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The sole issue was what apportionment, if any, there should be for contributory negligence as a result of the deceased'ssmoking.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
There may, however, be contributory negligence by the cyclist in riding too fast and not wearing brighter clothing.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The failure to mitigate and contributory negligence were therefore mutually inconsistent concepts as regarding the same loss.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Arguments over lenders' contributory negligence in handing out money to all and sundry is an obvious line of attack.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
If you wanted to be really controversial, you could call it a form of contributory negligence.