rationalize

4 definitions • 6 examples

to try to find reasons to explain your behaviour, decisions, etc.:

She rationalized the cost by saying that an expensive carpet would last longer than a cheaper one.

to make a company, way of working, etc. more effective, usually by combining or stopping particular activities, or (of a company, way of working, etc.) to become more effective in this way:

We rationalized the production system so that one operator could control all three machines.

The recession is forcing the company to rationalize.

to create a reason, explanation, or excuse for something:

[ T ] You can rationalize your way out of anything.

to make a company, way of working, etc. more effective, usually by combining or stopping particular activities, or by employing fewer people:

The economic reforms include abolishing export and import licensing, and rationalizing and reducing import tariffs.

Global economic trends have forced many companies to rationalize their operations.