Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
root-cause
noun
/ˈruːt kɔːz/

Definition
The primary or fundamental reason for an issue or problem.

Examples
- Identifying the root cause of the malfunction is essential for resolving the issue.
- In order to improve patient care, the hospital had to find the root cause of the delays in treatment.

Meaning
The root cause is the underlying factor that leads to a specific outcome or situation, often requiring investigation to uncover.

Synonyms
- fundamental cause
- primary cause
- main factor
- underlying reason