Word
rationalization
Phoneticsra·tio·nal·iza·tion
/ˌɹæʃənəɫɪˈzeɪʃən/
UK spelling · rationalisation
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the process of explaining why you did something in a way that makes it seem logical or reasonable. It is often used when you try to justify a decision that you know is not the best one.
n. the process of providing a logical explanation for a decision or behavior, especially one that may be based on irrational or unconscious motives. In economics, it refers to the adjustment of prices to reflect their true market value.
Examples
“He made a rationalization for why he missed the meeting.”
“The company's rationalization of its global supply chain led to significant cost savings but also some job losses.”
“While the CEO's rationalization for the merger focused on market expansion, internal documents suggested the primary motive was to prevent a hostile takeover by a rival firm.”
Examples
simple
“He made a rationalization for why he missed the meeting.”
contextual
“The company's rationalization of its global supply chain led to significant cost savings but also some job losses.”
complex
“While the CEO's rationalization for the merger focused on market expansion, internal documents suggested the primary motive was to prevent a hostile takeover by a rival firm.”
Real-World Examples
“The researchers called this "cognitive buffering," in which shoppers used budgets, spending limits and other rationalizations to make purchases feel more acceptable despite their concerns.” “These self-styled sceptics are in fact dogmatists, having reached their conclusions in advance and thereafter simply engaging in rationalisations.” “Back in 1983, American sociologist George Ritzer introduced the concept of the "McDonaldization" of society to explain the business rationalization of moving the design process toward faster, easier-to-manage, cheaper and more predictable outcomes.” Etymology
First attested in 1831. From French rationalisation, equivalent to rational + -ization or rationalize + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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