underlyingreason
nounUK /ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ ˈriːzən/
US /ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ ˈriːzən/
The real reason that is hidden behind something.
The underlying reason for his bad mood was that he had not slept well.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The main cause that explains why a problem keeps happening.
The underlying reason for the team's losses was poor communication.
3. A reason that is not obvious at first but becomes clear later.
The underlying reason she left early was a family emergency.
4. The deepest cause behind a feeling or action.
Fear was the underlying reason for his silence.