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
Federal encroachment seems to have been the deciding factor in the 1862 debate over the deductibility of taxes paid.
—
Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
For undecided or disgruntled voters, the power of opposition research can be a deciding factor in who to vote for.
—Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
The ability to fill a hole left by one of the team’s hottest hitters could be the deciding factor in Toronto’s chase for the American League East.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
The running game was effective when necessary, but Herbert’s accurate passing was the deciding factor in the Chargers’ victory.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deciding factor
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Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
For undecided or disgruntled voters, the power of opposition research can be a deciding factor in who to vote for.
—Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
The ability to fill a hole left by one of the team’s hottest hitters could be the deciding factor in Toronto’s chase for the American League East.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
The running game was effective when necessary, but Herbert’s accurate passing was the deciding factor in the Chargers’ victory.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025
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 17 Sep. 2025.
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