have been rationalizing

• present perfect progressive

  present perfect progressive

  Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.

  of rationalize.
  rationalize

  verb (used with object)

  to ascribe (one's acts, opinions, etc.) to causes that superficially seem reasonable and valid but that actually are unrelated to the true, possibly unconscious and often less creditable or agreeable causes.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

have been rationalizing

“As previously announced, we have been rationalizing our assortment to discontinue a number of underperforming items and brands,” the company said in an emailed statement to The Post.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 19, 2021

That could have been rationalizing, but there also could be truth to it.

From Slate ● Oct. 10, 2019

Related Words

• justify