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

“How can so many women have this major risk factor and not even know?” said Lauren Raineau.

From Slate

The disease is caused by small changes in DNA, known as genetic variants, which can be passed down through families and the most important risk factor in the UK and Ireland is a genetic variant called C282Y.

From BBC

The paper, titled "High Body Mass Index as a Causal Risk Factor for Vascular-related Dementia a Mendelian Randomization Study," was published online ahead of print.

From Science Daily

However, inflammation is a well known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily

“Not that we shouldn’t be concerned about bubbles and unrealistic behavior, but it might be too soon to have that be a major risk factor in the markets today.”

From The Wall Street Journal