X factor

American  

[eks fak-ter] / ˈɛks ˌfæk tər /

noun

plural

X factors

1. an essential quality or feature that is difficult to identify or express.

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Example Sentences

“I was really looking for the X factor,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Recent history may be against Leeds United when it comes to staying up, and in Elland Road they have an 'X factor' that can make the crucial difference when it comes to defying those odds.

From BBC

The X factor right now that’s making people say, “No, this is the one that’s the worst” is the technology has shifted so dramatically.

From Los Angeles Times

"The better you get at set pieces, the more chance you have of winning these big games. It's a big X factor."

From BBC

Over the last three games, Knecht has emerged as an X factor for the Lakers, the type of rookie weapon teams don’t normally draft midway through the first round.

From Los Angeles Times