1. attempting to explain or justify behavior or an attitude with logical reasons, even if these are not appropriate or genuine
Usage: psychology
2. making something more efficient or logical by reorganizing it
Usage: business; formal
3. making something conform to reason or logic
Usage: formal

Examples

• She was rationalizing her decision to quit by saying the job was beneath her.
• He kept rationalizing his poor grades instead of studying harder.
• The company is rationalizing its operations to reduce costs.
• They spent months rationalizing the filing system.
• Stop rationalizing your mistakes and take responsibility.
• The new manager is rationalizing the workflow processes.
• She's rationalizing her fear of flying with statistics about safety.