rationalization

especially British, ra·tion·al·i·sa·tion

[rash-uh-nl-ahy-zey-shuhn, rash-nl-]

noun

1. the act or process of ascribing one’s actions, opinions, etc., to causes that seem reasonable and valid but are actually unrelated to the true, possibly unconscious and often less complimentary ones.

   Those who torture prisoners believe, in their loftiest rationalizations, that they are committing their deeds for the good of the nation.

2. the act or process of making something conformable to reason or to the principle that reason is the highest authority for truth.

   In conceiving the world as a Newtonian universe governed by natural laws, Taylor provided the conceptual framework for the rationalization of the world in the 20th century.

3. Chiefly British.,  the act or process of reorganizing and integrating an industry, company, etc., to make it more efficient and profitable.

   The film studios were able to achieve such remarkable production figures through a rationalization of their working practices.

4. Mathematics.,  the act or process of eliminating radicals from an equation or expression.

   Rationalization will make calculation easier, as the denominator will now be an integer instead of a radical.

Other Word Forms

• nonrationalization noun
• overrationalization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rationalization¹

rationaliz(e) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

Because, as slumping closer Tanner Scott came trotting into a nightmare ninth inning in Baltimore on Saturday night, the club’s color analyst on SportsNet LA immediately tried to offer a rationalization for his entrance.

From Los Angeles Times

This form of rationalization and denial is embarrassingly evident in a recent apologia by David Brooks, the New York Times’ notion of an ideal conservative.

From Salon

She left the Daily Wire late last year, offering only vague rationalizations like, “I am ready to take on a new direction.”

From Salon

These are the rationalizations of people who want to hate while denying they are hateful.

From Salon

But this conspiracy theory isn't just an immoral rationalization of Trump's assault on free speech.

From Salon

Related Words

• justification 
• rationale