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.
Being diagnosed with a bipolar disorder is the single strongest risk factor for PPP, along with having a previous psychiatric episode. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Aug. 2026 But 1 in 5 people carry a risk factor that isn’t so easily addressed. — Andrew Joseph, STAT, 26 Aug. 2026 That backlash is expected to be a key risk factor in Anthropic's IPO prospectus, according to people familiar with matter. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 People who have developed hypertension during pregnancy should make sure that this remains part of their medical history so that future primary care providers and other healthcare professionals are aware of this potential risk factor. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Risk factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/risk%20factor. Accessed 1 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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