risk factor

noun

: something that increases risk or susceptibility

Examples of risk factor in a Sentence

Age is one of the risk factors for this disease.
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.
Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s. Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 24 Oct. 2024 Approximately 7 in 10 adults have a risk factor for severe COVID-19 symptoms. Jerome M. Adams, The Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2024 Rushing tasks increases the risk factor as the sun and Mars clash. USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024 Chris Ratcliffe | Bloomberg via Getty Images A European technology talent brain drain is the biggest risk factor facing Klarna as the Swedish payments company gets closer to its upcoming initial public offering, according to CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski. Ryan Browne, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for risk factor 

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of risk factor was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near risk factor

Cite this Entry

“Risk factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/risk%20factor. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

risk factor

noun
: something that increases the possibility that something bad will happen
cigarette smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer

Medical Definition

risk factor

noun
: something that increases risk or susceptibility
poorly controlled hypertension is a risk factor for coronary heart disease

More from Merriam-Webster on risk factor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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