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X factor

American  
[eks fak-ter] / ˈɛks ˌfæk tər /

noun

X factors plural
  1. an essential quality or feature that is difficult to identify or express.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Whatever the X factor is, Zina’s got it.

From Salon Jun. 5, 2026

Another X factor is the reaction of consumers.

From MarketWatch Apr. 17, 2026

"He is the X factor of my team. He has been amazing, scoring in every game. Tonight he sent a message to the rest of the side with the way he ran and fought."

From Barron's Jan. 9, 2026

Former Aston Villa and England midfielder Paul Merson agreed and called Morgan a "game changer" who can provide the "X factor".

From BBC Dec. 21, 2025

To turn the key in the lock, to open the door, he must change the physical reality to balance the equation, rather than supply the X factor to keep reality unchanged.

From Eight Keys to Eden by Clifton, Mark

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