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
Chelsea still holds the edge in terms of goal differential, which could ultimately end up being the deciding factor if this match ends in a draw.
—
Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
But for Mårtensson and team captain Martin Kaymer, his resume wasn’t the only deciding factor in choosing to add him to the Cleeks roster.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
The Oklahoma City defense came into the series as the strongest in the league this year, one that was expected to be a deciding factor in the Finals, but the Pacers were able to do work on the defensive end of their own.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Defender Alexandre Carrier is listed as day-to-day following a crushing hit by Tom Wilson, who’s been a deciding factor.
—Sarah Jean Maher, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deciding factor
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Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
But for Mårtensson and team captain Martin Kaymer, his resume wasn’t the only deciding factor in choosing to add him to the Cleeks roster.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
The Oklahoma City defense came into the series as the strongest in the league this year, one that was expected to be a deciding factor in the Finals, but the Pacers were able to do work on the defensive end of their own.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Defender Alexandre Carrier is listed as day-to-day following a crushing hit by Tom Wilson, who’s been a deciding factor.
—Sarah Jean Maher, New York Times, 30 Apr. 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 3 Jul. 2025.
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