Definitionv1
Root cause: a structural condition that generates recurring
Root cause: a structural condition that generates recurring errors, characterized by being actionable at the system level, making the symptom impossible or improbable rather than merely less likely, and being the invariant factor present across all instances of a recurring problem
Why This Is a Definition
This definition precisely establishes 'root cause' by naming the term, identifying its category (structural condition), and specifying its differentia (generating recurring errors, being actionable, making symptoms impossible or improbable, and being invariant). It clearly distinguishes root cause from proximate causes and explains what makes a cause 'root' rather than just contributing. It's precise enough to distinguish from symptom management and other related concepts.