risk factor

noun

: something that increases risk or susceptibility

Examples of risk factor in a Sentence

Age is one of the risk factors for this disease.
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.
In the United States, 70% of football players are under age 14, and there are preliminary findings that youth tackle football may be a risk factor for CTE. Beryl Rosenstein, Baltimore Sun, 9 Dec. 2024 Smoking is a risk factor particular to Crohn’s disease, says Melmed. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024 Most companies list the risk of the loss of their top executive, through death or other less dramatic departure, as a risk factor for investors to consider. Chris Isidore, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024 Still, a potential future, more rigorous regulatory framework poses a possible risk factor for investors. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for risk factor 

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of risk factor was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near risk factor

Cite this Entry

“Risk factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/risk%20factor. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

risk factor

noun
: something that increases the possibility that something bad will happen
cigarette smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer

Medical Definition

risk factor

noun
: something that increases risk or susceptibility
poorly controlled hypertension is a risk factor for coronary heart disease

More from Merriam-Webster on risk factor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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