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 timepiece, which retails for 8,400 euros, was conceived with optimal legibility in mind and its dial features a three-day date indicator, nodding to its 70-hour power reserve. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 Jan. 2026

For deuterium-tritium fusion reactions, plasmas must be heated to an optimal temperature of around 13 keV (150 million kelvin). —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026

Seal and label each container, then stack them neatly for optimal organization in your freezer. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026

If Willis gets the nod along with other backups, expect less than optimal results against Minny’s solid pass defense. —Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 1 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