rationality
noun
ra·tio·nal·i·ty
ˌra-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 
plural rationalities
1
: the quality or state of being rational
2
: the quality or state of being agreeable to reason : reasonableness
3
: a rational opinion, belief, or practice
—usually used in plural
Examples of rationality in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Saul posited that technocratic elites had fetishized the Enlightenment ideal of rationality to the point of extremism.
—
Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Of course, rationality is often in short supply when discussing money and mortality.
—Ashley Case, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
But Sheinbaum seemed determined to give at least the appearance of rationality.
—Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
His decision to side with keeping the government open at the expense of legislative branch power came from a place of rationality, not rashness.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationality
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Of course, rationality is often in short supply when discussing money and mortality.
—Ashley Case, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
But Sheinbaum seemed determined to give at least the appearance of rationality.
—Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
His decision to side with keeping the government open at the expense of legislative branch power came from a place of rationality, not rashness.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationality
Cite this Entry
“Rationality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationality. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rationality
noun
ra·tio·nal·i·ty
ˌrash-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē
: the quality or state of being rational
Medical Definition
rationality
noun
ra·tio·nal·i·ty
ˌrash-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē
plural rationalities
1
: the quality or state of being rational
2
: the quality or state of being agreeable to reason
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share