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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 

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 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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