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

Breaking safe staffing agreements endangers patients’ lives and puts nurses in the impossible position of attempting to give optimal care to way too many people, even the most fragile. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026

Repeat throughout the day for optimal aromatic results and a crop of compliments. —Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 31 Jan. 2026

Regulatory impact analysis is presented as a scientific exercise where costs and benefits are weighed and an optimal policy is revealed. —James Broughel, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Feathers in brooches, hats and dress styles added just the right amount of drama during the height of the Art Deco era, and were optimal alternative than fur. —Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 30 Jan. 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