factor

1 of 2

noun

fac·tor ˈfak-tər

Synonyms of factor next

: one who acts or transacts business for another: such as

: broker sense 1b

: one that lends money to producers and dealers (as on the security of accounts receivable)

a(1)

: one that actively contributes to the production of a result : ingredient

price wasn't a factor in the decision

(2)

: a substance that functions in or promotes the function of a particular physiological process or bodily system

a clotting factor that facilitates blood coagulation

: a good or service (such as land, labor, or capital) used in the process of production

: gene

: any of the numbers or symbols in mathematics that when multiplied together form a product (see product sense 1)

also : a number or symbol that divides another number or symbol

: a quantity by which a given quantity is multiplied or divided in order to indicate a difference in measurement

costs increased by a factor of 10

factorship

ˈfak-tər-ˌship

noun

factor

2 of 2

verb

factored; factoring ˈfak-t(ə-)riŋ

intransitive verb

: to work as a factor

transitive verb

: to resolve into factors

: to include or admit as a factor

—used with in or into

factor inflation into our calculations

: to exclude as a factor

—used with out

factorable

ˈfak-t(ə-)rə-bəl

adjective

Did you know?

In Latin factor means simply "doer". So in English a factor is an "actor" or element or ingredient in some situation or quantity. Charm can be a factor in someone's success, and lack of exercise can be a factor in producing a poor physique. In math we use factor to mean a number that can be multiplied or divided to produce a given number (for example, 5 and 8 are factors of 40). And in biology a gene may be called a factor, since genes are ingredients in the total organism.

Example Sentences

Noun There were several factors contributing to their recent decline. Poor planning was a major factor in the company's failure. 6, 4, 3, and 2 are factors of 12.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As the year-old war continues, a major factor in who perseveres is which side has enough ammunition and troops. —

Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2023 How big a factor was that in the recording process? —

Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2023 Another helpful factor in their longevity is their versatile diet. —

Jack Tamisiea, Scientific American, 16 Mar. 2023 The most important factor in selecting one is the cuff size. —

Anisha Shah, Verywell Health, 16 Mar. 2023 In rate increase requests submitted to the MPSC, DTE officials frequently cite improving service reliability as a factor behind asking to charge customers a higher rate. —

Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 15 Mar. 2023 That latter factor was one of the issues hurting Silicon Valley Bank, which collapsed Friday, because high rates forced down the value of its bond investments. —

Stan Choe, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Mar. 2023 And although anthropogenic climate change is not the only factor behind Europe’s ongoing drought—natural variation in water levels also plays a role—increasingly high temperatures each summer will make the situation worse. —

WIRED, 14 Mar. 2023 Because infected birds must be slaughtered, the outbreak has been a major factor in higher egg prices. —

Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2023

Verb

The new questions around Credit Suisse’s financial stability could factor into the European Central Bank’s decision, scheduled for Thursday, about whether to raise interest rates. —

Steven Mufson, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2023 This week’s data will factor into the Federal Reserve’s policymaking discussions and determinations next week. —

Alicia Wallace, CNN, 15 Mar. 2023 Leaders should also factor in employee feedback at every step of planning and implementation. —

Paige Mcglauflin, Fortune, 10 Mar. 2023 With data for so many different kinds of foods, Ivanovich’s team could then factor in population growth—basically, how many more people will be consuming these foods by the year 2100. —

WIRED, 6 Mar. 2023 The size of your home, your floor type(s), cleaning routine, budget, and overall mess level will all factor into your purchasing decision. —

Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2023 Travel, study, or working as an independent contractor may factor into the equation. —

The Astrotwins, ELLE, 1 Mar. 2023 Crucible does not factor in power, including Iron Banner. —

Paul Tassi, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023 The Robinson contract, with three additional seasons to play out, yet could factor in a tangible trade, as was the case with the final seasons of the Dion Waiters and James Johnson contracts. —

Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'factor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English factour "doer, perpetrator, commercial agent," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin factor "maker, creator, perpetrator" (Medieval Latin, "commercial agent, broker"), from fac-, stem of facere "to make, bring about, perform, do" + -tor, agent suffix — more at fact

Verb

verbal derivative of factor entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1621, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler

The first known use of factor was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century