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
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The deciding factor for a group trip? Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026 This growth will be a deciding factor for Miller this summer. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 Where the bodies were discovered should not be the deciding factor in whether justice is pursued. Vaughan Bagley, Baltimore Sun, 22 Mar. 2026 And although orforglipron is expected to get the same starting price, if there’s a differential, Korner said, that could be a deciding factor for her. Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deciding factor

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Cite this Entry

“Deciding factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deciding%20factor. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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