# causation

/ˌkɔˈzeɪʃən/ (US) · /kɔːsˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/causation
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the process where one thing makes another thing happen. It is the direct link between a cause and its result.

For teachers: the action of causing something; the relationship between cause and effect. Often contrasted with correlation to distinguish between a direct link and a mere coincidence.

## Examples

- Scientists are trying to prove causation between the two events.
- The legal team had to establish a clear line of causation between the company's negligence and the client's injury.
- While the data shows a strong correlation between ice cream sales and sunburns, there is no direct causation; both are simply influenced by the rising summer temperatures.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the causation of the problem" but "the cause of the problem" — Learners often use 'causation' (the abstract principle) when they mean 'cause' (the specific event or thing).

## Usage notes

- Uncountable in its abstract sense; frequently appears in the phrase 'correlation does not imply causation'.

---

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.