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

Swedish Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the lights, with clear skies and minimal light pollution required for optimal viewing conditions. —David Nikel, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024

The mill’s Fit & Flex range adapts to multiple body shapes for an optimal fit across all lifestyles, movements, and body types. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Sep. 2024

With respect to taxes and other issues and naming beneficiaries, what is the optimal strategy regarding my child for life insurance and traditional and Roth IRAs? —Liz Weston, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2024

Elks also notes that flax is grown and harvested in Western Europe, where climate and soil conditions are optimal for the fiber. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 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