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

To estimate your optimal heart rate zone for exercise, start by subtracting your age from 220 to get your maximum heart rate. —Cyra-Lea Drummond, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2025

Provide dappled sunlight all day or afternoon shade for optimal performance. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025

The inductive system has delivered peak power above 300 kW and average power above 200 kW under optimal steady-state conditions. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025

Skip the usual coffee tables and opt for some sculptural side tables in their place for optimal vibes. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 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