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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

risk factor

Excess body weight was associated with more of the cancer types examined than any other individual risk factor.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 14, 2026

In addition, their calculations assumed a 10-year delay between exposure to a risk factor and the development of cancer.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 14, 2026

Perhaps the most overlooked risk factor for fraud victimization is lack of self-awareness.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026

Having a physically small or crowded optic nerve, also called a “disc at risk,” is the single strongest anatomical risk factor for developing NAION, optometrists and neuro-ophthalmologists said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 19, 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

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