Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
financially rational
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "financially rational" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe decisions or actions that are based on sound financial reasoning or logic. Example: "Investing in low-cost index funds is often considered a financially rational choice for long-term growth."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
If a woman "chooses" to be a stay at home mom, because entrenched pay discrepancy, cultural habits and a gender segregated workforce make that "choice" the most logical and financially rational, she is not compensated, either through pay or benefits, for her investment of time and effort and risks her long term financial security.
News & Media
By introducing this "financial safety net", clubs would have to act in a more financially rational manner, he said.
News & Media
In doing so high-risk/high-return research is found to be more attractive and financially rational than under the traditional peer review approach.
Science
So it is often financially rational not to invest in the very sectors that generate socially beneficial technologies over long periods of time.
News & Media
So if you're being financially rational, you could conclude that the PFI framework can be improved – the public sector might want to share a bit more in the upside, for example, through increased sharing in refinancing gains.
News & Media
Issuing bonds to satisfy shareholder demands was an intuitively illogical, but ultimately financially rational, solution.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
"If your home is a financial asset, and it's financially rational to walk away, that's what you do," said Nicolas Retsinas of the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard.
News & Media
They were "not financially justifiable on any rational basis", it said.
News & Media
Indeed, much finance and economics research and teaching is built on the silly (though occasionally useful) assumption that man is a rational maximizer of his own utilities -- and that these utilities can be measured financially.
News & Media
It was not a high point for Trump, financially, as I wrote at the time: In fact, by 1990, he was not only at risk, he was, by any rational standard, hugely in the red.
News & Media
-And financially?
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "financially rational" when you want to emphasize that a decision is based on logical financial principles, not emotions or other non-financial factors.
Common error
Don't assume that a "financially rational" decision is always ethically justifiable. A financially rational choice might maximize profit but have negative social consequences.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "financially rational" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (e.g., "choice", "manner", "solution"). It describes something that is based on logical financial principles. Ludwig confirms that the phrase indicates decisions rooted in sound financial reasoning.
Frequent in
News & Media
66%
Science
33%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The term "financially rational" describes decisions or actions based on logical financial principles. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. Alternatives include "economically sensible" or "fiscally prudent". While advocating for logic in financial matters, remember that "financially rational" choices aren't always ethically justifiable.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
economically sensible
Focuses on the broader economic implications rather than strictly financial.
fiscally prudent
Emphasizes careful and responsible management of money.
financially sound
Highlights the stability and health of a financial decision.
economically rational
Broader scope, includes non-financial impacts.
monetarily logical
Stresses the logical aspect of financial decisions.
commercially viable
Focuses on the potential for business success.
pecuniarily reasonable
Highlights the reasonableness of a financial choice.
financially astute
Implies shrewdness and cleverness in financial matters.
investment-wise judicious
Refers to an attribute of applying good judgement to monetary investments
budget-conscious
Related to awareness when creating or following budget
FAQs
What does "financially rational" mean?
The term "financially rational" describes a decision or action that is primarily based on sound financial reasoning and logic, aiming to maximize financial benefits or minimize losses.
How can I use "financially rational" in a sentence?
You might say, "Investing in index funds is often considered a "financially rational" choice for long-term growth" or "It's "financially rational" to pay off high-interest debt before investing."
What are some alternatives to saying "financially rational"?
Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "economically sensible", "fiscally prudent", or "financially sound".
Is it always a good idea to be "financially rational"?
While being "financially rational" is generally beneficial, it's important to consider other factors like ethical considerations, personal values, and long-term goals. Sometimes, a financially irrational decision might be justifiable based on these other factors.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested