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 Instinctive, athletic, powerful and outspoken, Mitchell is often the deciding factor in big games. Vitas Carosella, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Trending on Billboard Radio could be the deciding factor in the competition. Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 22 Feb. 2024 If the final roster spots are between you and a few others, your behavior at the tryout – positive or negative in the coach’s eyes – might be the deciding factor in whether you get cut. Stephen Borelli, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2024 Weather, Hecht told the Free Press, was not the deciding factor, but the National Weather Service is forecasting strong wind gusts, perhaps even a tornado, large hail, thunder, and snowstorms this week — all of which could lead to massive power outages. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 26 Feb. 2024 While looks are by no means the sole deciding factor, democracy could benefit from voters examining their own physical biases. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2024 But typically, pay is the deciding factor for students when choosing where to work, Abulhassan said. Maya Miller, Sacramento Bee, 22 Feb. 2024 This is a major mark against the service and could be the deciding factor for users despite its strong performance and value proposition. PCMAG, 22 Jan. 2024 But if my birth is the deciding factor, then something is wrong. Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 11 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deciding factor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Deciding factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deciding%20factor. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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