rationalization

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​za·​tion ˌrash-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce rationalization (audio)
ˌra-shə-nə-lə-
plural rationalizations
: the act, process, or result of rationalizing : a way of describing, interpreting, or explaining something (such as bad behavior) that makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc.
They're masters of high-speed sophistry and self-serving rationalizations, and they threaten one another as if the power of threats lies mainly in how elegantly expressed they are …Nitsuh Abebe
But that's a convenient rationalization that removes from the rest of us the onus for doing the right thing even when the wrong thing is alluring and nobody would blame you for it.Leonard Pitts, Jr.
People rationalize what they shun or are incapable of dealing with; these superstitions and their rationalizations become ritual as they govern behavior.Ralph Ellison
Importantly, these perceptions of victimhood were automatic and effortless, not belabored rationalizations.Kurt Gray and Chelsea Schein

Examples of rationalization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web What To Do About It The focus should be on consolidation and rationalization. Amanda Whiteside, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 This rationalization of a global crisis captures what Megalopolis does not. Armond White, National Review, 9 Oct. 2024 Still, few concrete steps can be taken that go beyond post-hoc rationalizations of what worked for other firms. Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Working with stakeholders and partners to focus on data points that drive change and deliver impact, enabling further rationalization in the tool. Janet Mensink, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rationalization 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rationalization.' 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

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rationalization was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near rationalization

Cite this Entry

“Rationalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalization. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

rationalization

noun
ra·​tio·​nal·​iza·​tion
variants also British rationalisation
: the act, process, or result of rationalizing
especially : the provision of plausible reasons to explain to oneself or others behavior for which one's real motives are different and unknown or unconscious
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!