rationalization

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   The process or result of rationalizing, or expressing in rational terms.

   • Some rationalization of the language of his lectures is, of course, necessary.
2. 2

   A statement of one's motives, or of the causes of some event.

   • Her self-flagellating rationalization for the theft was mostly ignored by the jury.
   • But, he insisted, he was neither a “Union Saver” nor a “freedom shrieker.” He rejected all high-flown rationalizations for the war effort — “to hell with the devilish twaddle about freedom.”
   • After every shooting, blame and rationalizations fly. I know, because I was shot in the head at a 2011 congressional event near my home in Tucson, Ariz. Eighteen other people were shot at that event, six of whom died.
3. 3

   The reorganization of a company or organization in order to improve its efficiency…

   The reorganization of a company or organization in order to improve its efficiency through the reallocation of resources and changes in its workforce.

   • It began with the familiar political motives of civil service rationalization and downsizing.
   • For socialism involves the reconstruction of industry upon the principle of production for use. It involves the rationalization of industry, the proper adjustment of production to the social requirements.
4. ›+ 2 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      The concealment of true motivation in some non-threatening way.

   2. 5

      The simplification of an expression without changing its value.

      • Here, the rationalization of the denominator was unnecessary.

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