rationalisation

Noun

rationalization (countable and uncountable, plural rationalizations)

1. (archaic) The process or result of rationalizing, or expressing in rational terms.
   • Some rationalization of the language of his lectures is, of course, necessary.
2. A 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.

   Synonyms:

   rationale, reasoning

3. The 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.

   Synonyms:

   consolidation

4. The concealment of true motivation in some non-threatening way.
5. The simplification of an expression without changing its value.
   • Here, the rationalization of the denominator was unnecessary.