rationalization rationalization /ˌræʃnəlɪˈzeɪʃən/

noun

1. () The cognitive process of making something seem consistent with or based on reason  ( rationalisation [British] , rationalization )
   the cognitive process of making something seem consistent with or based on reason
   
2. Systematic organization; the act of organizing something according to a system or a rationale  ( rationalisation [British] , rationalization , systematisation [British] , systematization )
   systematic organization; the act of organizing something according to a system or a rationale
   
3. The organization of a business according to scientific principles of management in order to increase efficiency  ( rationalisation [British] , rationalization )
   the organization of a business according to scientific principles of management in order to increase efficiency
   
4. (mathematics) the simplification of an expression or equation by eliminating radicals without changing the value of the expression or the roots of the equation  ( rationalisation [British] , rationalization )
   (mathematics) the simplification of an expression or equation by eliminating radicals without changing the value of the expression or the roots of the equation
   
5. (psychiatry) a defense mechanism by which your true motivation is concealed by explaining your actions and feelings in a way that is not threatening  ( rationalisation [British] , rationalization )
   (psychiatry) a defense mechanism by which your true motivation is concealed by explaining your actions and feelings in a way that is not threatening