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
There will be off days ahead and how Tucker responds to limit any future failure will be the deciding factor.
—
Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
But his votes have generally not been a deciding factor in whether or not an issue passes, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Martinez emphasizes that construction is often the deciding factor.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
If that also finishes level — and with Wrexham currently on plus-four to Hull’s plus-three, there’s every chance — then goals scored will be the deciding factor.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deciding factor
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.
Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
But his votes have generally not been a deciding factor in whether or not an issue passes, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Martinez emphasizes that construction is often the deciding factor.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
If that also finishes level — and with Wrexham currently on plus-four to Hull’s plus-three, there’s every chance — then goals scored will be the deciding factor.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 1 May 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 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
