likelycause
nounUK /ˈlaɪkli kɔːz/
US /ˈlaɪkli kɔːz/
The likely cause is the thing that probably made something happen.
The likely cause of the puddle was the rain.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The most probable reason a problem or event occurred, used in everyday talk.
The likely cause of the delay was heavy traffic.
3. A probable origin or source of something, such as a smell or sound.
The likely cause of the noise was a cat in the garden.
4. A probable explanation in a simple investigation or puzzle.
The detective said the likely cause was a forgotten key.