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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While smoking tobacco is the largest risk factor for lung cancer, up to 20 percent of diagnoses occur in nonsmokers. — Mikkael A. Sekeres, Washington Post, 15 Oct. 2026 Cigarette smoking is the primary risk factor for lung adenocarcinoma. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 What Counts as a Breast Cancer Risk Factor A risk factor is anything that raises the chance of developing the disease, but having one or several does not guarantee a diagnosis, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 Regardless of one’s age, being without employment is a principal risk factor for becoming involved in the criminal justice system. — Maha Jweied, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for risk factor

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of risk factor was in 1907

Rhymes for risk factor

See All Rhymes for risk factor

Browse Nearby Words

risker
risk factor
riskful
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Cite this Entry

“Risk factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/risk%20factor. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about risk factor

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