latentreason
nounUK /ˌleɪtənt ˈriːzən/
US /ˌleɪtənt ˈrizən/
A hidden reason that you do not see at first.
The latentreason for his quiet mood was that he missed his friend.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A reason that is not yet active but may appear later.
The latentreason for the change only became clear months afterward.
3. A cause that is present but not obvious to most people.
Scientists looked for a latentreason behind the strange pattern.
4. An unspoken explanation that someone keeps inside.
She smiled, but a latentreason for her worry stayed hidden.