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 gloves are both touchscreen-friendly and have an extra-long cuff that can easily be tucked under or over jacket sleeves for optimal warmth. —Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025

This process dictates an optimal shape to ensure performance, such as stiffness, is achieved with minimal material, thereby reducing weight. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Nov. 2025

Vaske said the optimal daily portion for digestive benefits is one apple or two kiwis. —Sarah Garone, Health, 13 Nov. 2025

But is there an optimal way to do it? —Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 13 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