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
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.
Age is also a risk factor, as women 65 and older are more likely to be diagnosed with ILC than with invasive ductal carcinoma. Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025 High impact sports such as football or rugby can be a risk factor. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 Human behaviour, in all its unpredictability, remains the single greatest risk factor on our roads. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025 Professional associations like the Endocrine Society and the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research recommend that men older than 50 who have a risk factor, and all men older than 70, should seek screening. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for risk factor

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of risk factor was in 1949

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Risk factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/risk%20factor. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on risk factor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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