rationality

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌra-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

plural rationalities

1

: the quality or state of being rational

2

: the quality or state of being agreeable to reason : reasonableness

3

: a rational opinion, belief, or practice

—usually used in plural

Examples of rationality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tap into desire—or, better yet, anxiety—and rationality goes out the window. — Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026

But that would imply a level of awareness and rationality that many within left-wing sports media organizations simply do not possess. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026

To inject greater rationality into the system, a unified budget took effect in 1969. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 14 May 2026

Such reactions may appear irrational under one standard yet reflect a form of rationality adapted to uncertainty, vivid impressions and limited information. — Alejandro Hortal-Sánchez, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rationality

• hyper-rationality

Rhymes for rationality

• abnormality
• cardinality
• commonality
• communality
• cordiality
• corporeality
• criminality
• criticality
• functionality
• generality
• geniality
• hospitality

Kids Definition

rationality

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌrash-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

: the quality or state of being rational

Medical Definition

rationality

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌrash-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

plural rationalities

1

: the quality or state of being rational

2

: the quality or state of being agreeable to reason