optimal

adjective

op·​ti·​mal ˈäp-tə-məl 

: most desirable or satisfactory : optimum

the optimal use of class time

the optimal dosage of medication for a patient

conditions for optimal development

optimality

ˌäp-tə-ˈma-lə-tē 

noun

optimally

ˈäp-tə-mə-lē 

adverb

Examples of optimal in a Sentence

He keeps his engine tuned for optimal performance.

Under optimal conditions, these plants grow quite tall.

Recent Examples on the Web

Under optimal aging conditions, Texas whiskey makers rarely get more than 250 bottles out of any one 53-gallon vessel. —Brad Japhe, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

According to the German outlet, McLaren is adding water to the tires via the valves, aiding in maintaining an optimal temperature during race and qualifying conditions. —David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

Trendy Queen Tiered Sweatshirt Dress with Pockets For optimal cozy vibes, all roads point to this tiered sweatshirt dress from Trendy Queen. —Emily Weaver, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

This is the optimal moment to take a leap of faith and start fresh. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

optim(um) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing optimal

• sub-optimal

Kids Definition

optimal

adjective

op·​ti·​mal ˈäp-tə-məl 

: optimum entry 2

optimally

-mə-lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

optimal

adjective

op·​ti·​mal ˈäp-tə-məl 

: most desirable or satisfactory : optimum

optimal concentrations of a drug

optimality

ˌäp-tə-ˈmal-ət-ē 

noun

plural optimalities

optimally

-mə-lē 

adverb