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

Curi noted that obesity is a major diabetes risk factor, but not the only one.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

SpaceX does list supply chain challenges as a risk factor.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

One form of the protein, APOE4, is considered the greatest genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer's disease.

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

“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