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

Living with four to five people and sharing meals with others, for example, are both considered optimal for overall happiness. —Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 20 Mar. 2025

Other studies indicate that doses between 2 and 4 mg may be optimal for sleep-promoting effects. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 17 Mar. 2025

Sleeping a little longer is OK but a long lie-in is not optimal. —Sarah Shephard, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025

Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock With 80+ sleep sounds and audio settings, the Hatch alarm clock aims to create an optimal sleep environment while encouraging a screen-free bedroom. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025

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