risk factor

American  

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.

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risk factor British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of risk factor

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

risk factor

Obesity also is a risk factor that increases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, according to the National Institutes of Health.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026

He added testing technology is evolving quickly but, where riders and teams push the boundaries, doping is always going to be a risk factor.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

The FDA cleared Lipfendra to treat high cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 16, 2026

In one previous investigation, women with increased cardiometabolic risk who reduced their sleep by about 80 minutes each night for six weeks developed greater insulin resistance, an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 13, 2026

“Not you. He was investigating Ethan and the community project at the mission. Making sure the risk factor was minimal.”

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson