Rationalization may refer to:

  • Rationalization (economics), an attempt to change an ad hoc workflow into one based on published rules; also, jargon for a reduction in staff
  • Rationalisation (mathematics), the process of removing a square root or imaginary number from the denominator of a fraction
  • Rationalization (psychology), a psychological defense mechanism in which perceived controversial behaviors are logically justified also known as "making excuses"
  • Post-purchase rationalization, a tendency to retroactively ascribe positive attributes to an option one has selected
  • Rationalization (sociology), the replacement of traditions, values, and emotions as motives for behavior in society with rational motives
  • Rationalization, appropriate placement of a factor such as was done with for Heaviside–Lorentz units

See also

  • Rational (disambiguation)
  • Rationale (disambiguation)
  • Rationalism (disambiguation)
  • Rationality