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 superintendent said class size is the deciding factor.
—
Ted Scouten, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
As host Alan Cumming had the contestants read off their votes, several players explained that Eric’s ear was the deciding factor for them.
—Anna Chan, Billboard, 16 Jan. 2026
The role ultimately went to Margot Robbie, and Lawrence is convinced that physical appearance was a deciding factor.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2026
For many users, privacy remains the deciding factor.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deciding factor
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Ted Scouten, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
As host Alan Cumming had the contestants read off their votes, several players explained that Eric’s ear was the deciding factor for them.
—Anna Chan, Billboard, 16 Jan. 2026
The role ultimately went to Margot Robbie, and Lawrence is convinced that physical appearance was a deciding factor.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2026
For many users, privacy remains the deciding factor.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Jan. 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 31 Jan. 2026.
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