risk factor

noun

: something that increases risk or susceptibility

Examples of risk factor in a Sentence

Age is one of the risk factors for this disease.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And that is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 12 June 2025 This uncertainty renders Meta’s ongoing, aggressive investments in AI a potential risk factor. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Most tanning beds primarily emit UVA rays, with a smaller proportion being UVB, which is a risk factor for all types of skin cancer. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025 Inspected with no major risk factor violations 208 Snacks, 5131 S. Staten Ave., Boise Albertsons #3337 – Bakery, 700 E. Avalon St., Kuna Albertsons #3337 – Deli, 700 E. Avalon St., Kuna Albertsons #3337 – Grocery, 700 E. Avalon St., Kuna Blue Sky Bagels, 12375 W. Chinden Blvd. Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for risk factor

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of risk factor was in 1949

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Risk factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/risk%20factor. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

risk factor

noun
: something that increases the possibility that something bad will happen
cigarette smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer

Medical Definition

risk factor

noun
: something that increases risk or susceptibility
poorly controlled hypertension is a risk factor for coronary heart disease

More from Merriam-Webster on risk factor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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