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
The running game was effective when necessary, but Herbert’s accurate passing was the deciding factor in the Chargers’ victory.
—
Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025
Starting pitching has been the deciding factor all season for the New York Mets, during good stretches and bad.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
The May 6 election appeared to be the deciding factor in the matter.
—Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 28 Aug. 2025
The back of the rotation could be the deciding factor in whether Boston can overtake the Blue Jays in the division or hold off the Yankees — and other AL contenders — for the top wild-card spot.
—Jim Bowden, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deciding factor
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Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025
Starting pitching has been the deciding factor all season for the New York Mets, during good stretches and bad.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
The May 6 election appeared to be the deciding factor in the matter.
—Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 28 Aug. 2025
The back of the rotation could be the deciding factor in whether Boston can overtake the Blue Jays in the division or hold off the Yankees — and other AL contenders — for the top wild-card spot.
—Jim Bowden, New York Times, 27 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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