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

Similarly, preheating an air fryer ensures that your food begins cooking at the optimal temperature from the start. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025

Keep valuables, like your wallet and keys, in the main compartment, which has a zip closure for optimal security. —Emily Weaver, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025

Don’t forget the Amazon Essentials Women’s Puffer Jacket, optimal for winter. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2025

The research looked at metrics including average winter temperatures, average sunshine hours, and average sea temperatures to determine which locations would provide an optimal environment for winter getaways. —Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 19 Jan. 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