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

There’s never going to be optimal city management of road closures and detours to everyone’s liking, no matter how many public hearings of driver angst and outcry take place. — Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

An on-site geologist analyzes the changing properties of the granite coming out of the ground, all with the goal of maximizing optimal drilling conditions. — Pippa Stevens, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026

Over the next few seasons, Buium’s higher than optimal, second-contract cap hit will almost surely be inefficient. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Create your athleisure look with jackets, tops, sports bras, leggings and more, all boasting optimal coverage. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 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