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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of risk factor

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

risk factor

Women tend to live longer than men and age is the biggest risk factor for the fatal disease.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026

"You wouldn't say poor sleep causes dementia," he says, "but if you're vulnerable, it's a potential risk factor."

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

They measured how common each risk factor was, how it differed by age, gender, and education level, and how often multiple risk factors occurred together in the same individual.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 13, 2026

Today, excess abdominal fat is a major risk factor because it can trigger chronic inflammation that damages arteries, cardiac tissue and kidneys, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 9, 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