verb

rationalize

RA-shuh-nuh-lyz

Quiz me More like this

Rationalize (verb) means to make something rational, logical, or more efficient — often by removing unnecessary parts. Example: “The company rationalized its product line, cutting a dozen weak sellers.”

verb

To make something rational, logical, or more efficient — often by removing unnecessary parts.

"The company rationalized its product line, cutting a dozen weak sellers."

"They rationalized the tax code to remove overlapping rules."

To invent a reasonable-sounding excuse for behavior that was really driven by something less flattering.

"He rationalized skipping the gym by saying he needed the rest."

"She rationalized the lie by telling herself it was for his own good."

How to use rationalize

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither making something more logical and streamlined, or making excuses to justify a decision you already made for other reasons.

Common mistake

Don't confuse rationalizing (making excuses) with reasoning (working something out logically) — rationalizing usually happens after the fact, to defend a choice.

Common pairings

rationalize a decision rationalize the process rationalize behavior

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like rationalize.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Third person singular: rationalizes
Past tense: rationalized

Test yourself on “rationalize” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The company _____ its product line, cutting a dozen weak sellers.

Etymology

From French rationaliser, built from rational plus the verb-forming suffix -ize.

Origin: French

Synonyms

View more →

cut excuse justify apologize prune apologise rationalise

Related words

issue cut share increase track commission contract reduce

Rhymes for rationalize

size maize prize Belize utilize capsize realize baptize idolize optimize monetize colonize

See all rhymes for rationalize →

Frequently asked questions

What does “rationalize” mean?

The word “rationalize” means to make something rational, logical, or more efficient — often by removing unnecessary parts. In plain terms, either making something more logical and streamlined, or making excuses to justify a decision you already made for other reasons.

How do you pronounce “rationalize”?

“Rationalize” is pronounced RA-shuh-nuh-lyz (/ˈɹæʃənəlaɪz/ in IPA).

How do you use “rationalize” in a sentence?

Here is “rationalize” used in a sentence: “The company rationalized its product line, cutting a dozen weak sellers.”

What part of speech is “rationalize”?

“Rationalize” is a verb.

Where does the word “rationalize” come from?

The word “rationalize” comes from French. From French rationaliser, built from rational plus the verb-forming suffix -ize.

How many meanings does “rationalize” have?

“Rationalize” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something rational, logical, or more efficient — often by removing unnecessary parts.

People also searched

issue cut share increase track commission contract reduce