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 But the analyst said that outcome is already discounted within shares, meaning there’s not a large risk factor tied to earnings. Alex Harring,fred Imbert, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2024 Thus, in my view, mental health treatment strategies should target every risk factor, including nutrition. Mary Scourboutakos, Discover Magazine, 2 Sep. 2024 About 80% of women ages 40 to 60 are living with at least one risk factor for coronary artery disease, research has found, but only about half of women recognize heart disease as their biggest health risk. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 31 Aug. 2024 For example, scientists know weight is the biggest risk factor for developing knee osteoarthritis. Melanie Radzicki McManus, CNN, 6 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for risk factor 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'risk 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

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 17 Sep. 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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