rationality

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌra-shə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce rationality (audio)
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 Only time will tell but hope remains that the Great Farmer Revolt will bring some semblance of rationality to Europe’s climate policies. Tilak Doshi, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The interplay between instinct and rationality influences our decisions, particularly in relationships. Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 Her memoir The Year of Magical Thinking demonstrates how unrealistic that expectation is, even for someone who made cool, detached rationality her entire persona. Tajja Isen, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2024 And the third act hits you like a third martini: You are dragged along on the potent tide, buoyed by memories of former rationality, grasping at understanding. Raven Smith, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2024 For us, rationality has both an individual and a collective dimension. Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2023 In other words, the mere presence of deliberation does not necessarily lead to greater rationality. Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2023 Behind his surface glamour creeps an industrious rationality and methodical devotion. Killian Wright-Jackson, Essence, 1 Dec. 2023 But when Mearsheimer and Rosato begin to spell out their own theory of rationality, the book’s claims unravel. Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rationality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rationality was in 1628

Dictionary Entries Near rationality

Cite this Entry

“Rationality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationality. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rationality

noun
ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌrash-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē How to pronounce rationality (audio)
: the quality or state of being rational

Medical Definition

rationality

noun
ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌrash-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē How to pronounce rationality (audio)
plural rationalities
1
: the quality or state of being rational
2
: the quality or state of being agreeable to reason
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!