Underlying reason Crossword Clue

 The answer to the crossword clue "Underlying reason" is ROOT CAUSE.

The root cause is the underlying reason for something happening. It is the fundamental reason, often hidden or obscured, that explains why something is happening or why a problem exists.

Here are some examples of root causes:

The root cause of the financial crisis of 2008 was a combination of factors, including subprime lending, risky mortgage-backed securities, and deregulation of the financial industry.

The root cause of many health problems, such as obesity and diabetes, is poor diet and lack of exercise.

The root cause of many social problems, such as crime and poverty, is inequality and lack of opportunity.

Identifying the root cause of a problem is essential for finding an effective solution. If you only address the symptoms of a problem, it will likely come back again later.