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

The optimal times to use hair oil are before washing your hair or after a blow-dry. — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 July 2026

According to game theory, there's an optimal strategy for taking penalty kicks. — Ashish Malhotra, NPR, 3 July 2026

There are mesh pockets, elastic straps, and multiple compartments for optimal organization. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Taking advantage of optimal hitting conditions, as the Cubs did in Tuesday’s 9-7 win over the San Diego Padres amid the 92-degree Chicago heat, is another way to support the pitching staff. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 1 July 2026

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