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 club wants to help Estévez return to optimal levels. —Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026

The proof was in my Oura ring sleep score—96% and optimal restfulness. —Brianna Peters, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026

The tilting 10-inch touch screen offers optimal viewing angles and access to hundreds of iFIT classes. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026

Obviously, indoor reductions of water use will help too — shorter showers, no unnecessary flushes, running dishwashers and laundry machines at optimal water saving settings and fullness. —The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 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