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

Spicy Foods May Reduce Salt Cravings High salt intake is a major risk factor for high blood pressure. — Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 3 Aug. 2026

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

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