cause of action
noun phrase
: the grounds (such as violation of a right) that entitle a plaintiff to bring a suit
Examples of cause of action in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That Valve's cause of action fell with the scope of the UPEPA's protections did not end the matter, however.
—
Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
The legislation also creates a civil cause of action so immigrants who are scammed by notarios can sue for damages and attorney fees.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
Through my legal lens, any importer who paid the full 145 percent tariff might have a legal cause of action.
—Aron Solomon, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
An action to enforce a cause of action shall begin within four years after the cause of action occurred under the bill.
—Michael R. Wickline, Arkansas Online, 17 Apr. 2025
According to Douglas Hand, a fashion lawyer and a member of the business advisory committee of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Hermès could pursue a cause of action of trade dress infringement against Walmart and the respective third-party vendors selling the Birkin dupe.
—Renan Botelho, WWD, 31 Dec. 2024
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Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
The legislation also creates a civil cause of action so immigrants who are scammed by notarios can sue for damages and attorney fees.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
Through my legal lens, any importer who paid the full 145 percent tariff might have a legal cause of action.
—Aron Solomon, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
An action to enforce a cause of action shall begin within four years after the cause of action occurred under the bill.
—Michael R. Wickline, Arkansas Online, 17 Apr. 2025
According to Douglas Hand, a fashion lawyer and a member of the business advisory committee of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Hermès could pursue a cause of action of trade dress infringement against Walmart and the respective third-party vendors selling the Birkin dupe.
—Renan Botelho, WWD, 31 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Cause of action.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cause%20of%20action. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
cause of action
1
: the grounds (as violation of a right) that entitle a plaintiff to bring a suit
an amended pleading reiterating a cause of action for lost profits—J. H. Friedenthal et al.
J. H. Friedenthal et al.
also
: the part of a suit brought on those grounds
removed the cause of action to the district court
2
: right of action sense 1
the court, led by Justice Brennan, said Congress intended to provide a private cause of action—National Law Journal
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