X factor

noun

: a circumstance, quality, or person that has a strong but unpredictable influence

Examples of X factor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The X factor: Tech billionaire Elon Musk’s endorsement of Trump was supposed to hit the Trump campaign like a lightning bolt. Josh Feldman, NBC News, 1 Sep. 2024 In the tail, a dying Wilford spoke of how there was one X factor that Layton & Co. had not accounted for — pride. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 1 Sep. 2024 Beyond that are the other X factors — shipping in the Red Sea, the price of containers, last-mile logistics and the potential for post-election trade policy changes and more. Evan Clark, WWD, 24 July 2024 Talk of an X factor selection swirled around Trump almost from the beginning. S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 16 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for X factor 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'X factor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of X factor was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near X factor

Cite this Entry

“X factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/X%20factor. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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