plural factors
1
: something that helps produce or influence a result : one of the things that cause something to happen
There were several factors contributing to their recent decline.
Poor planning was a major factor in the company's failure.
Cost was the decisive/deciding/determining factor in their decision. [=the most important reason for their decision]
2
a
mathematics
: a number that evenly divides a larger number
6, 4, 3, and 2 are factors of 12.
b
: an amount by which another amount is multiplied or divided
Costs increased/decreased by a factor of 10. [=costs were 10 times higher/lower than they had been]
factors; factored; factoring
1
: to consider or include (something) in making a judgment or calculation
—+ in or into
In doing our calculations we need to factor in inflation.
We need to factor inflation into our calculations.
2
: to not consider or include (something) in making a judgment or calculation
—+ out
Even after factoring out inflation, the costs have increased greatly.
Cite this Entry
“Factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/factor. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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