Factor.

A hackneyed word; the expressions of which it forms part can usually be replaced by something more direct and idiomatic.

Poor: His superior training was the great factor in his winning the match.
Better: He won the match by being better trained.

Poor: Heavy artillery is becoming an increasingly important factor in deciding battles.
Better: Heavy artillery is playing a larger and larger part in deciding battles.

From: William Strunk, Jr., The Elements of Style, 1918.