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 last risk factor, according to Adshead, is the relationship between the perpetrator and her victim, and what happens between the two on the day itself. — Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026 While cigarette smoking is still the primary risk factor for lung cancer, a growing proportion of patients with the disease are nonsmokers like Lin. — Meeri Kim, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, China, long a major risk factor in these discussions, was no longer at the top of the worry list. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 Cigarette smoking is the primary risk factor for lung adenocarcinoma. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for risk factor

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of risk factor was in 1907

Rhymes for risk factor

See All Rhymes for risk factor

Browse Nearby Words

risker
risk factor
riskful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Risk factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/risk%20factor. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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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