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

For optimal absorption, Talwalkar suggested taking iron at least one to two hours before or after a fiber supplement. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 11 Dec. 2025

Snowberries require a pollinator for optimal fruiting. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025

Pretreat stains before washing and follow the care instructions for the optimal water temperature and washer cycle. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2025

With each finger operating independently yet in coordination, the hand can form an optimal grasp on virtually any object. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Dec. 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