(~s, rationalizing, ~d)
Note: in BRIT, also use 'rationalise'
1.
If you try to ~ attitudes or actions that are difficult to accept, you think of reasons to justify or explain them.
He further ~d his activity by convincing himself that he was actually promoting peace...
VERB: V n
2.
When a company, system, or industry is ~d, it is made more efficient, usually by getting rid of staff and equipment that are not essential. (mainly BRIT BUSINESS)
The network of 366 local offices is being rationalised to leave the company with 150 to 200 larger branch offices.
= streamline
VERB: usu passive, be V-ed
rationalization
...the rationalization of the textile industry.
N-UNCOUNT