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

Heart disease is the nation’s leading cause of death, and high LDL cholesterol, which causes plaque to build up in arteries, is a top risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. — Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 16 July 2026

The agency cleared Lipfendra to treat high cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 16 July 2026

Livingston also stressed that longer exposure to a risk factor produces a greater effect, and that risks hit harder in already vulnerable populations. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

High cholesterol levels are considered a leading risk factor for heart diseases and strokes across the world. — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 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