deciding factor
noun
1
: 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.
2
: 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
How long a prisoner has spent on death row does not appear to be a deciding factor; DeSantis has bypassed prisoners who committed their crimes as far back as the 1970s, scheduling the executions of men convicted of murders committed decades later.
—
Pamela Colloff,
ProPublica,
30 June 2026
Schools Worth Moving For For families making the move, education is often a deciding factor.
—
Ave Maria,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Goal difference might be the deciding factor or goals scored or, failing that a team’s fair play record.
—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
Troomy Nootropics argues that compliance is the deciding factor.
—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deciding factor
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Pamela Colloff,
ProPublica,
30 June 2026
Schools Worth Moving For For families making the move, education is often a deciding factor.
—
Ave Maria,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Goal difference might be the deciding factor or goals scored or, failing that a team’s fair play record.
—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
Troomy Nootropics argues that compliance is the deciding factor.
—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deciding factor
Cite this Entry
“Deciding factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deciding%20factor. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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