rationalization

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'rationalization' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean the process of making something seem more reasonable or logical by giving it a false explanation or justification. For example, "The company's hiring freeze was rationalized by the need to reduce overhead costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Professed goals of punishment, norms constraining the use of power in the pursuit of these goals, the aspiration for justice in punishment all these, if Foucault is right, turn out to mask other (not necessarily conscious) intentions among reformers that belie the ostensible rationality (not to say rationalization) of their aims since the Enlightenment.

SEP

Institutional rationalization was, in other words, predicated upon the rise of a peculiarly rational type of personality, or a "person of vocation" (Berufsmensch) as outlined in the Protestant Ethic.

SEP

"The physiocrats: A study in economic rationalization".

The Economist

Psychological explanation, predication, and rationalization.

SEP

The pragmatic account of liberty, however, was not a rationalization for Hook's political advocacy.

SEP

Paradoxically, as modernity's rationalization processes heighten anonymity, modern technology also brings everyone within reach, as the nuclear arms race demonstrates, and Schutz suggests as a solution that citizens become broadly informed rather than succumb to the narrow dogmatism of the man on the street or the short-sighted specialization of experts.

SEP

Within Victoria's critique of the legality and morality of Spanish colonialism was a rationalization for conquest, albeit a restrictive one.

SEP

According to him, "the procedures and communicative presuppositions of democratic opinion- and will-formation function as the most important sluices for the discursive rationalization of the decisions of an administration bound by law and statute" (1996: 300).

SEP

Delusions are pathological because they are puzzling and unsettling – in so far as they defy folk-psychological expectations – and this feature also makes them less amenable to rationalization and interpretation (this idea is explored in Campbell 2001).

SEP

On the basis of this theory, Habermas hopes to be able to assess the gains and losses of modernization and to overcome its one-sided version of rationalization.

SEP

For if the first problem is solved, then the solution to the problems of psychological explanation, predication, and rationalization will be carried in on its wings.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rationalization" when you need to describe the process of justifying actions or beliefs, especially when those justifications may be post-hoc or self-serving. Consider the context to ensure it's the most appropriate term.

Common error

Avoid using "rationalization" when you actually mean "rationality". "Rationalization" often implies a justification that may not be entirely logical or truthful, while "rationality" refers to sound reasoning and logical thought.

Linguistic Context

The noun "rationalization" functions primarily as a description of the process by which actions, beliefs, or decisions are justified, often in a way that conceals the true motives or underlying reasons. Ludwig's analysis and examples support this function, highlighting its use in contexts where justifications are scrutinized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rationalization" is a noun that describes the process of justifying actions or beliefs, often with a hint of concealed motives or post-hoc reasoning. As Ludwig AI points out, the term is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in science, news, and formal settings. While it's often employed to explain or defend, it can also suggest a critical perspective on the validity of the justifications provided. Remember to differentiate it from "rationality", which implies a sound, logical basis. Use "rationalization" to add depth and nuance when discussing the reasoning behind decisions and behaviors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasoning

Focuses on the intellectual process of forming conclusions or judgments.

justification

Highlights the act of providing reasons to support or defend an action or belief.

rationale

Refers to the underlying reasons or principles for a decision or action.

explanation

Emphasizes the act of making something clear or understandable.

excuse

Suggests an attempt to lessen the blame or responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing.

vindication

Implies clearing someone of blame or suspicion, often through evidence or proof.

consolidation

Relates to the act of combining or uniting separate elements into a single, more cohesive entity.

streamlining

Focuses on improving efficiency and effectiveness by simplifying processes or procedures.

systematization

Emphasizes the organization and arrangement of something according to a system or plan.

reorganization

Highlights the restructuring of an organization or system to improve its performance or efficiency.

FAQs

How is "rationalization" typically used in a sentence?

"Rationalization" is often used to describe the act of justifying questionable behavior or decisions. For example, "His "rationalization" for cheating on the test was that everyone else was doing it."

What are some synonyms for "rationalization"?

Alternatives to "rationalization" include "justification", "explanation", and "excuse". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "rationalization" and "rationality"?

"Rationalization" involves creating seemingly logical reasons to justify actions, often after the fact, while "rationality" refers to the quality of being based on reason or logic. "Rationality" implies a logical and coherent thought process.

Can "rationalization" have a negative connotation?

Yes, "rationalization" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the reasons provided are not the real or complete reasons, but rather an attempt to make something more acceptable or justifiable. It's viewed as a defense mechanism.