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

Back in January, many of us prioritized improving supply chain resilience and getting optimal value from digital transformation, all while boosting employee productivity. —David Gucker, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

In order to ensure an optimal experience, an internet connection speed of at least 5 Mbps (megabits per second) is required, Boulanger said. —Joelle Diderich, WWD, 26 Nov. 2024

What is the optimal fitness regimen – and how much are our genetics a factor? —David Oliver, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024

The actor is famously obsessed with facilitating the optimal moviegoing experience. —Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 26 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