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
That could be a deciding factor.
—
Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
For the international patient who needs to return to work quickly, this technological edge is often the deciding factor.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
Some plans offer more investment options than others, which could be a deciding factor.
—Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 1 Jan. 2026
That clarity often becomes the deciding factor.
—Nia Bowers, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deciding factor
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
For the international patient who needs to return to work quickly, this technological edge is often the deciding factor.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
Some plans offer more investment options than others, which could be a deciding factor.
—Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 1 Jan. 2026
That clarity often becomes the deciding factor.
—Nia Bowers, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 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 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share