risk factor

noun

: something that increases risk or susceptibility

Examples of risk factor in a Sentence

Age is one of the risk factors for this disease.

Recent Examples on the Web

Another risk factor, ironically, is rewilding—a conservation approach that aims to restore ecosystems to good health by reducing human interference. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and UV light is a risk factor for every type, including melanoma. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and UV light is a risk factor for all types, including melanoma. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Vision has more recently been identified as a possible risk factor. — Kathleen Felton, Time, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for risk factor

• attractor
• cofactor
• compactor
• contactor
• contractor
• distractor
• extractor
• impactor
• protractor
• reactor
• redactor
• refractor

Kids Definition

risk factor

noun

: something that increases the possibility that something bad will happen

cigarette smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer

Medical Definition

risk factor

noun

: something that increases risk or susceptibility

poorly controlled hypertension is a risk factor for coronary heart disease