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
And what feels like the deciding factor behind the team missing out?
—
Carl Anka, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
For anyone weighing weekend options, that score suggests personal taste will be the deciding factor.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
Exterior color can be a deciding factor in choosing a car.
—Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Effort is the age-old deciding factor in sports.
—Dan Rios, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deciding factor
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Carl Anka, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
For anyone weighing weekend options, that score suggests personal taste will be the deciding factor.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
Exterior color can be a deciding factor in choosing a car.
—Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Effort is the age-old deciding factor in sports.
—Dan Rios, Daily News, 1 Mar. 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 Mar. 2026.
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