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

The findings suggest the same dementia risk factor may not affect everyone equally.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

Women in the study also had slightly lower average educational attainment, which is considered a risk factor for later cognitive decline.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

The tanning lamp rule, which was first proposed in 2015, focused on age as a specific risk factor.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Still, Intel’s rapid advance is a risk factor, and something should be done to secure the gain.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 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