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

Testing reveals an average power exceeding 200 kW in optimal steady-state conditions, surpassing the energy requirements for heavy-duty vehicles. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025

For optimal results, store dishwasher pods in a cool, dry place and in an airtight storage container. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Nov. 2025

The team concluded that the optimal daily intake for cognitive benefit is 150 grams of total dairy and 30 grams of whole-fat dairy, based on evidence showing nonlinear associations with the lowest risk of cognitive decline. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025

It has been found to support optimal eye health. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 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