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
With a tie in the DEC vote, the Prior Athletic Participation Form, which stated that Nussmeier transferred for athletic purposes, is the deciding factor.
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Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026
Ultimately, though, fuel and the ability to conserve it is likely the deciding factor in who wins Sunday.
—Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 13 June 2026
One longtime Oakland junk hauler says cost is often the deciding factor.
—CBS News, 12 June 2026
But who will be this squad’s ‘Grasfresser,’ the deciding factor in a tight game, might be the ultimate question for the Germans.
—Andy Clayton, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deciding factor
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Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026
Ultimately, though, fuel and the ability to conserve it is likely the deciding factor in who wins Sunday.
—Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 13 June 2026
One longtime Oakland junk hauler says cost is often the deciding factor.
—CBS News, 12 June 2026
But who will be this squad’s ‘Grasfresser,’ the deciding factor in a tight game, might be the ultimate question for the Germans.
—Andy Clayton, New York Daily News, 10 June 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 24 Jun. 2026.
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