Cause

Cause is a proven reason for the existence of a defect. Often there are multiple causes, in which case they typically follow the Pareto principle—the vital few causes will dominate all the rest.

Definition

According to Juran's Quality Handbook by Defeo (7th edition),

Cause. A proven reason for the existence of a defect. Often there are multiple causes, in which case they typically follow the Pareto principle—the vital few causes will dominate all the rest.