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
His fourth dunk of the night is the dunk of the contest, and for plenty of people, that was the deciding factor in such a close race.
—
Zach Harper, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Arráez’s $12 million deal only runs for one year, but for him, the chance to play second was the deciding factor.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
There are several different organic tequilas to choose from, if that is a deciding factor for you.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
And at Lipton Teas and Infusions, trust was the deciding factor.
—Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deciding factor
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Zach Harper, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Arráez’s $12 million deal only runs for one year, but for him, the chance to play second was the deciding factor.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
There are several different organic tequilas to choose from, if that is a deciding factor for you.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
And at Lipton Teas and Infusions, trust was the deciding factor.
—Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 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 15 Feb. 2026.
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