# root cause

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/root-cause
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An initiating cause of a chain of events which leads to an outcome or effect of interest.

## Examples

- We need to find the root cause of this problem.
- The mechanic inspected the engine to identify the root cause of the strange noise.
- After a thorough investigation, the committee finally determined that poor communication was the root cause of the project's failure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.