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 blend encourages the specific needs of larger dogs by providing optimal digestion, joint and bone health. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 May 2026

The microbes and the algae tend to flourish under these clamp lights; the optimal temperature for microbes is ninety-five degrees—armpit temperature. —Tina Rivers Ryan, Artforum, 14 May 2026

For optimal quality, harvest, wash, prep, and freeze it all in the same day, says Stephanie McCurdy, a health, human science, agriculture, and natural resources educator. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026

And even in the most optimal settings, the clinical data suggest these therapies are not a panacea. —Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 13 May 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