root cause
is not in our dictionary (yet). Here's what it could mean:Confidence: high
Results generated using artificial intelligence.
noun
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He said the service should instead replace broken gear with new parts and “address the root cause of those failures” and that this system should not be standard practice.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026
He said previous agreements had failed as they did not tackle "the root cause" of the conflict, namely the continued presence in eastern DRC of Hutu militants linked to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
From Barron's ● Aug. 24, 2026
Thesaurus
Possible Synonyms
Words in our thesaurus
other words
- underlying reason
- the real culprit
- primary source
- patient zero
- the heart of the matter
Possible Antonyms
Words in our thesaurus
other words
- surface issue
- temporary fix
- band-aid solution
