risk factor

noun

1. a condition, behavior, or other factor that increases risk:

   Smoking is a major risk factor for cancer;

   depression as a risk factor in suicide.

risk factor

noun

1. med a factor, such as a habit or an environmental condition, that predisposes an individual to develop a particular disease

Word History and Origins

Origin of risk factor¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Some states have moved adults over 65 up the priority list regardless of their other risk factors.

From MIT Technology Review

In an S-1 filing ahead of its ill-fated IPO attempt, WeWork included a recession among its risk factors.

From Quartz

Many of those who develop diabetes during or after covid-19 have risk factors, such as obesity or a family history of the disease.

From Washington Post

Araneta and Anunciado also pointed out that there are also other risk factors, like that Filipinos are more likely to live in multigenerational households.

From Voice of San Diego

Blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

From Washington Post

As much as the NRA and its ilk want to deny it, having a gun in the home is a risk factor for serious injury or death.

From The Daily Beast

Unfortunately for the proponents of high-carbohydrate diets, high blood triglycerides are a major risk factor for heart disease.

From The Daily Beast

These diets are implicated in the development of diabetes, which is a potent risk factor for developing heart disease.

From The Daily Beast

The only consistent risk factor identified for TGA is older age.

From The Daily Beast

There are other risks, which the company duly notes in the “risk factor” section of its 10-K annual report filing.

From The Daily Beast

All this, on the assumption that the rate of interest does not change, and that the risk factor remains constant.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a bigger risk factor for you of course, but I'm afraid I didn't take that into consideration.

From Project Gutenberg