suboptimal

adjective

sub·op·ti·mal

ˌsəb-ˈäp-tə-məl

variants or sub-optimal

Synonyms of suboptimal next

: less than optimal : not at the best possible level

suboptimal performance

suboptimal conditions/results/solutions

received suboptimal care

… such is life at the sharp end of evolution, where the pursuit of self-interest frequently leads to suboptimal outcomes for all concerned.—

The Economist

Training at sub-optimal levels fatigues you and wastes time you could have spent at the high levels you hope to achieve.—

Rick Crawford

suboptimally adverb

or sub-optimally

… countless companies perform suboptimally. They fail to capitalize on a unique competitive advantage. —

Erik Matson

Examples of suboptimal in a Sentence

yes, living on junk food generally means that you have a suboptimal diet

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

But the overall point is valid, looks like suboptimal surgery. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 Strict posting schedules can lead to suboptimal content timing, and not allowing content editing prevents the influencer from adapting the message to their audience. —

Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 But even with their limited entries into the final third, the U.S. was often saved by Japan serving a suboptimal final ball. —

Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 3 Aug. 2024 Habits that contribute to insomnia include excessive screen time before bed, suboptimal lighting and room temperatures in the bedroom as well as consuming caffeine, alcohol or large portions of food prior to sleep. —

Omer Awan, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for suboptimal