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
Earnings momentum can be the deciding factor in whether to buy stocks that have expensive valuations, according to Piper Sandler.
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Alex Harring, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2024
But what can be the deciding factor between a mediocre and marvelous setup is some tender, loving care.
—Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2024
Although the Jets came up short in their 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills, New York barely missed two field goals in the second half that ended up being the deciding factor in the game.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024
During a chat with THR in March of 2022, O’Brien teased the big swing that is Celine Held and Logan George’s Caddo Lake, remarking that editing would be the thriller’s deciding factor.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for deciding factor 
Alex Harring, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2024
But what can be the deciding factor between a mediocre and marvelous setup is some tender, loving care.
—Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2024
Although the Jets came up short in their 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills, New York barely missed two field goals in the second half that ended up being the deciding factor in the game.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024
During a chat with THR in March of 2022, O’Brien teased the big swing that is Celine Held and Logan George’s Caddo Lake, remarking that editing would be the thriller’s deciding factor.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for deciding factor
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deciding factor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Deciding factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deciding%20factor. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
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