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 short-interval pregnancies are a risk factor for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 Microplastics may be a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease, researchers say. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Alcohol alone is a risk factor for several types of cancers, including breast cancer, esophageal cancer, and liver cancer, among others. Maggie O'Neill, Health, 5 Mar. 2024 Doctors have long noted that cigarette smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS, but it can be avoided by taking the right precautions. Casey Clark, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024 Third-party supply chain risk is an enormous risk factor for healthcare organizations. David Chou, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 In fact, age is the most significant risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Obesity is also a major risk factor, as is smoking, excessive alcohol intake, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. Katia Hetter, CNN, 7 Feb. 2024

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 19 Mar. 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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