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

Researchers identified 5 micrometers as the optimal diameter for balancing bandwidth and power consumption. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026

So the Huskies, ranked second in the preseason poll, have to be unequivocally Sarah Strong’s team for optimal function. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026

The logic assumes the human form factor is optimal for a factory floor, but this form factor evolved to run away from lions on the African savanna! — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2026

Scoring the best view For optimal sky-gazing, Petro suggested finding a place free of obstruction from trees or buildings, such as a large field. — Dharma Niles, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 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