economically rational

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "economically rational" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions related to economics, decision-making, or behavioral analysis to describe actions or choices that are based on logical economic principles. Example: "In a competitive market, consumers are expected to make economically rational choices that maximize their utility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That would be economically rational.

The Economist

And those choices aren't always going to be economically rational — witness Merkel's recent tergiversations.

The New Yorker

"I am rooting for an economically rational deal," Mr. Schmidt said.

The New York Times

It has become economically rational to invest a lot in player training.

The New Yorker

But a cost-benefit analysis suggests that, in many cases, such programs are also economically rational.

The New Yorker

The case seems to be that what is economically rational is politically unacceptable.

The New York Times

PETE: Only because they're at an economically rational price point, my main man.

The New Yorker

If people -- even mayors and governors -- are economically rational creatures, why would they sanction inefficient expenditures of public funds?

The New York Times

"These are people who want to be their own bosses in an occupation that is not always economically rational".

The New York Times

As a trade economist and former banker, he urges a less political, more economically rational, approach to trade.

The Economist

In the end, a vote seems a reasonable way to proceed if Billingham is convinced that it is now "economically rational" for all 16 classes to give approval.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "economically rational" when describing decisions that are primarily driven by a cost-benefit analysis, aiming to maximize economic value or minimize losses. Ensure that the context clearly indicates the economic factors being considered.

Common error

Avoid using "economically rational" to describe decisions that only focus on immediate financial gains without considering long-term economic sustainability or potential risks. Economically rational decisions consider a broader range of factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "economically rational" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to describe actions, decisions, or behaviors that are primarily guided by economic logic and cost-benefit analysis. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "economically rational" describes actions or decisions rooted in logical economic principles and cost-benefit analysis. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "financially sensible" or "cost-effective" exist, "economically rational" emphasizes a broader, reasoned assessment of economic factors. Remember to use the phrase when you want to indicate that a decision is based on a thoughtful evaluation of economic considerations, avoiding the pitfall of focusing solely on short-term profits without regard to long-term sustainability or risks. The phrase is widely found in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Financially sensible

Focuses on financial prudence and good judgement in monetary terms.

Cost-effective

Highlights the efficiency and value gained relative to the cost incurred.

Fiscally responsible

Emphasizes accountability and careful management of financial resources.

Economically sound

Implies a stable and robust economic basis for an action or decision.

Commercially viable

Indicates the potential for a business or project to be profitable and successful.

Economically efficient

Highlights the optimal use of resources to minimize waste and maximize output.

Profit-maximizing

Focuses specifically on the goal of achieving the highest possible profit.

Economically justifiable

Suggests that there are valid economic reasons to support a particular action.

Logically economic

Emphasizes the logical and reasoned approach to economic considerations.

Prudent investment

Highlights the careful and wise allocation of resources for future gain.

FAQs

How can I use "economically rational" in a sentence?

You can use "economically rational" to describe a decision-making process. For example: "Investing in renewable energy is becoming an "economically rational" choice as technology improves and costs decrease."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "economically rational"?

Alternatives include "financially sensible", "cost-effective", or "fiscally responsible", depending on the specific context.

Is "economically rational" the same as "financially beneficial"?

While related, "economically rational" is broader. It implies a logical evaluation of costs and benefits, not just immediate financial gain, whereas "financially beneficial" focuses solely on monetary advantages.

When is it appropriate to use "economically rational"?

Use "economically rational" when you want to emphasize that a decision or action is based on a logical and thorough assessment of economic factors, rather than emotions, politics, or other non-economic considerations.