In the context of ITIL 4, how is a "problem" defined?

In ITIL 4, a "problem" is defined as a cause or potential cause of one or more incidents. This definition emphasizes that problems are not merely the symptoms experienced by users as issues or disruptions (which are referred to as incidents), but rather the underlying factors or conditions that lead to these incidents occurring.

Identifying a problem is a crucial step in IT service management because it allows organizations to address root causes rather than just treating the superficial symptoms of issues. By investigating and resolving the problem, organizations can prevent recurring incidents, improve service quality, and enhance customer satisfaction.

This understanding contrasts with the other options, which provide definitions that do not capture the essence of what a problem is in the ITIL context. A temporary solution to a recurring incident refers to a workaround, and while a minor disruption to a service or lack of available resources can create incidents, they do not encapsulate the idea of a problem as a deeper cause of these disruptions.