deciding factor

noun

: something that causes someone to make a particular decision

The deciding factor was cost.

His lack of experience was the deciding factor in my decision not to hire him.

: something that causes something to end a particular way

His home run was the deciding factor in the game.

Examples of deciding factor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

How the Commanders’ interior holds up could be a deciding factor in this game. —

Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 Offering the ability to pay on invoice with net terms of 30, 60 or 90 days can be a deciding factor in a small-business owner’s choice of supplier. —

Brandon Spear, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 Barkley could be the deciding factor in terms of getting the team to another Super Bowl appearance. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 Our end-of-year sale might be your deciding factor, dropping the most advanced version (with exclusive features) to only $19.97 (normally $199) for a limited time. —

New Atlas, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deciding factor

Cite this Entry

Style

“Deciding factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deciding%20factor. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Copy Citation