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

Whatever funding is available is a deciding factor in the kinds of services the city and county can — or cannot — provide to residents, commuters and visitors. —Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2024

Noise: The noise an air purifier puts out could be a deciding factor in your purchase. —Kelsey Kunik, Parents, 15 Feb. 2024

Steve Macias, a Latino voter in Arizona who backed Trump in 2020 but is so far undecided this year, says the candidates' stances and proposals on immigration will be a deciding factor. —Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2024

The deciding factor will be whether the North Little Rock School Board's weekend proposal goes far enough to address their concerns. —arkansasonline.com, 1 Feb. 2024

Nickelodeon remains a popular kids’ destination, and young viewers’ media habits have proven a deciding factor in what streaming outlets consumers choose. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Jan. 2024

While no one particularly disliked this choice, the overwhelming vinegar flavor seemed to be the deciding factor. —Jorie Nicole McDonald, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2023

Instinctive, athletic, powerful and outspoken, Mitchell is often the deciding factor in big games. —Vitas Carosella, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

Trending on Billboard Radio could be the deciding factor in the competition. —Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 22 Feb. 2024