1.NounThe process or result of rationalizing, or expressing in rational terms.
"Some rationalization of the language of his lectures is, of course, necessary."
2.NounA 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."
3.NounThe 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."
4.NounThe concealment of true motivation in some non-threatening way.
5.NounThe simplification of an expression without changing its value.
"Here, the rationalization of the denominator was unnecessary."