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

One risk factor that has gone largely unnoticed is the continuing rally seen in U.S.

From Barron's

Another risk factor that has gone largely unnoticed is the continuing rally seen in U.S.

From Barron's

"Our pilot study provides important evidence that microplastic exposure may be a risk factor for prostate cancer," said study lead author Stacy Loeb, MD, a professor in the NYU Grossman School of Medicine's Departments of Urology and Population Health.

From Science Daily

In the UK and Ireland, the main risk factor is a variant called C282Y.

From Science Daily

Scientists have long recognized air pollution as a risk factor for Alzheimer's, as well as for chronic conditions such as hypertension, stroke, and depression.

From Science Daily