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.
The study also excluded people who use tobacco to eliminate another potential risk factor. — Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025 While also sharing risk factors like obesity, diabetes itself is considered a risk factor for MALSD. — Sarah Hudgens, Health, 16 Mar. 2025 Air pollution is the second leading global risk factor for death. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2025 But drug use is still deeply intertwined with homelessness, both as a risk factor and an effect of losing housing, the researchers wrote. — Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025 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

Rhymes for risk factor

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Browse Nearby Words

risk capital
risk factor
riskful
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Cite this Entry

“Risk factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/risk%20factor. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about risk factor

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