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

Wood has the optimal starting pitching matchup on today’s slate to hit a home run. — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Made from a lightweight linen-blend material, this breezy dress allows for optimal air circulation. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026

Timing their harvests is a balancing act, and in many cases you, as gardener, are forced to choose between optimal flavor and yield. — Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026

Placing it in the bottom of the machine or the silverware holder will keep the detergent from being released at the optimal moment. — Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 1 Aug. 2026

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