rationalization

The process or result of rationalizing, or expressing in rational terms.

Some rationalization of the language of his lectures is, of course, necessary.

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.

But, he insisted, he was neither a “Union Saver” nor a “freedom shrieker.” He rejected all high-flown rationalizations for the war effort — “to hell with the devilish twaddle about freedom.”

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.

For socialism involves the reconstruction of industry upon the principle of production for use. It involves the rationalization of industry, the proper adjustment of production to the social requirements.

The concealment of true motivation in some non-threatening way.

The simplification of an expression without changing its value.

Here, the rationalization of the denominator was unnecessary.