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Meaning & use

pivotal factor

noun, adjective·Academic

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UK/ˌpɪvətl ˈfæktə/
US/ˌpɪvətl ˈfæktər/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    The one element that decides how something turns out; the most important influence on a result.

    Grammar: Countable: say a pivotal factor or the pivotal factor, and use in or behind for what it affects.

    Patterns

    • a pivotal factor in something
    • the pivotal factor behind something
    • prove to be a pivotal factor

    Cheap credit was a pivotal factor in the housing boom.

    Most analysts see voter turnout as the pivotal factor in the election.

    Her early research proved to be the pivotal factor behind the company's success.

  2. adjectivebefore a noun

    Used before a noun to describe a factor that is decisive rather than merely important.

    Grammar: Attributive use only in this pattern: a pivotal factor, not 'the factor is pivotal factor'.

    Patterns

    • a pivotal factor in something

    Cost was the pivotal factor in their decision to move abroad.

    Reviewers called the study a pivotal factor shaping later policy.

Word forms

pluralpivotal factors

Common combinations

a pivotal factor in
Timing was a pivotal factor in the deal's success.
the pivotal factor behind
Poor planning was the pivotal factor behind the delay.
prove a pivotal factor
Rain proved a pivotal factor in the match.
a pivotal factor determining something
Price is a pivotal factor determining demand.
consider something a pivotal factor
Historians consider trade a pivotal factor in the war.

Synonyms and how they differ

key factor
Very close, but 'key factor' simply means important, while 'pivotal factor' stresses that the outcome turns on it.
decisive factor
Nearly the same; 'decisive factor' highlights the moment of deciding, 'pivotal factor' highlights the central role.
determining factor
Fits when the factor fixes the result; 'pivotal factor' is slightly broader and more evaluative.

Opposites

minor factor

Word family

pivot noun
The central point on which something turns or depends.
pivotal adjective
Of greatest importance for what follows.
pivotally adverb
In a way that is central to a result (rare).

Commonly confused: pivotal factor or vital factor? pivotal factor or practical factor?

pivotal factor vs vital factor

'Vital' means necessary for life or success; a vital factor is essential, but not necessarily the one that decides the outcome.

pivotal factor vs practical factor

Sounds similar but means a realistic, workable consideration, not a decisive one.

Practice

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