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

Scoring the best view For optimal sky-gazing, Petro suggested finding a place free of obstruction from trees or buildings, such as a large field. — Dharma Niles, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

The four-stage system blocks out background noise in real time and adapts to your surroundings, giving you optimal output every single time. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026

With the pieces arranged separately, each one gets optimal exposure to the oven’s heat, giving you more control over when the breast and dark meat are done. — Julie Harans, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026

When spending the entire day outside, Hale recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours to maintain optimal skin protection. — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 21 Oct. 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