a root cause — underlying cause (of a problem)
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
the most basic or fundamental reason why something happens, especially a problem or negative situation, often used when analyzing issues in depth.
Say it like a native
Textbook We must identify the fundamental underlying causative factor of the failure.
Native We need to find the root cause of the failure.
'Fundamental underlying causative factor' is jargon for what natives just call the 'root cause'.
Pattern: a/the root cause of [something]
In use
- After several meetings, the team finally identified a root cause of the recurring software failures.work
- In my opinion, a root cause of stress among university students is the pressure to achieve top grades, which often leads to anxiety and burnout.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ the root cause for the problem.
✓ the root cause of the problem.
'The root cause OF something', not 'for'.
Common collocations
the root cause of— of, address, identify, tackle
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'main cause' (which is simply the most important cause), 'root cause' refers to the original or underlying source of a problem, not just the most obvious or immediate one.