deciding factor
noun
1
: something that causes someone to make a particular decision
The deciding factor was cost.
His lack of experience was the deciding factor in my decision not to hire him.
2
: something that causes something to end a particular way
His home run was the deciding factor in the game.
Examples of deciding factor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Steve Macias, a Latino voter in Arizona who backed Trump in 2020 but is so far undecided this year, says the candidates' stances and proposals on immigration will be a deciding factor.
—
Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2024
The deciding factor will be whether the North Little Rock School Board's weekend proposal goes far enough to address their concerns.
—arkansasonline.com, 1 Feb. 2024
Nickelodeon remains a popular kids’ destination, and young viewers’ media habits have proven a deciding factor in what streaming outlets consumers choose.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Jan. 2024
While no one particularly disliked this choice, the overwhelming vinegar flavor seemed to be the deciding factor.
—Jorie Nicole McDonald, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2023
Instinctive, athletic, powerful and outspoken, Mitchell is often the deciding factor in big games.
—Vitas Carosella, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Trending on Billboard Radio could be the deciding factor in the competition.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 22 Feb. 2024
If the final roster spots are between you and a few others, your behavior at the tryout – positive or negative in the coach’s eyes – might be the deciding factor in whether you get cut.
—Stephen Borelli, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2024
Weather, Hecht told the Free Press, was not the deciding factor, but the National Weather Service is forecasting strong wind gusts, perhaps even a tornado, large hail, thunder, and snowstorms this week — all of which could lead to massive power outages.
—Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 26 Feb. 2024
Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2024
The deciding factor will be whether the North Little Rock School Board's weekend proposal goes far enough to address their concerns.
—arkansasonline.com, 1 Feb. 2024
Nickelodeon remains a popular kids’ destination, and young viewers’ media habits have proven a deciding factor in what streaming outlets consumers choose.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Jan. 2024
While no one particularly disliked this choice, the overwhelming vinegar flavor seemed to be the deciding factor.
—Jorie Nicole McDonald, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2023
Instinctive, athletic, powerful and outspoken, Mitchell is often the deciding factor in big games.
—Vitas Carosella, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Trending on Billboard Radio could be the deciding factor in the competition.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 22 Feb. 2024
If the final roster spots are between you and a few others, your behavior at the tryout – positive or negative in the coach’s eyes – might be the deciding factor in whether you get cut.
—Stephen Borelli, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2024
Weather, Hecht told the Free Press, was not the deciding factor, but the National Weather Service is forecasting strong wind gusts, perhaps even a tornado, large hail, thunder, and snowstorms this week — all of which could lead to massive power outages.
—Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 26 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deciding factor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near deciding factor
Cite this Entry
“Deciding factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deciding%20factor. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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