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
Appearance may have been the deciding factor.
—
Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2025
Price will be the deciding factor, though.
—PC Magazine, 17 Nov. 2025
While Weeks has not been officially ruled out, interim coach Frank Wilson said the team will evaluate him at Wednesday’s practice, which could be the deciding factor for Saturday’s game.
—Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
So that was another deciding factor for me — for Jordan and I together.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deciding factor
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Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2025
Price will be the deciding factor, though.
—PC Magazine, 17 Nov. 2025
While Weeks has not been officially ruled out, interim coach Frank Wilson said the team will evaluate him at Wednesday’s practice, which could be the deciding factor for Saturday’s game.
—Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
So that was another deciding factor for me — for Jordan and I together.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 3 Nov. 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 30 Nov. 2025.
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