Definition of: rationalization

(rash′ən·əl·ə·zā′shən, -ī·zā′·shən) noun
1. The act or process of rationalizing.
2. Psychol. The process of devising acceptable reasons for desires, emotions, acts, beliefs, or opinions which cannot be creditably justified to oneself or to others in terms of their actual motives.
3. Brit. The act of bringing an industry into accord with up–to–date methods of organization and operation.