English Lexicon

Crucial factor

/ˈkruː.ʃəl ˈfæk.tər/
noun phraseCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #2450 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun phrase
  1. 1

    An element, circumstance, or input that is definitively essential and determines the success, failure, or outcome of a process or situation.

    "Timely communication was the crucial factor in completing the international project successfully."
  2. 2

    The most decisive variable among multiple contributing influences in an analytical or decision-making context.

    "Budget allocation proved to be the crucial factor during the strategic planning meeting."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term combines 'crucial', derived from the Latin 'crux' (cross) via French denoting a decisive turning point or crossroad, with 'factor', stemming from the Latin 'facere' (to make or do) meaning a maker or element contributing to a result. Together, the collocation emerged in modern English administrative and analytical discourse to denote an element of paramount importance in determining an outcome.

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