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 often comes down to durability and resilience, both of which are built through physical capacity. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 24 June 2026 Like most post-Star Wars fantasy movies, Rogue Trooper starts with a crawl, and this is a long one, which will perhaps be a deciding factor for audiences expecting a quick hit. Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 June 2026 With a tie in the DEC vote, the Prior Athletic Participation Form, which stated that Nussmeier transferred for athletic purposes, is the deciding factor. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026 Ultimately, though, fuel and the ability to conserve it is likely the deciding factor in who wins Sunday. Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 13 June 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 5 Jul. 2026.

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