optimization

noun

op·​ti·​mi·​za·​tion ˌäp-tə-mə-ˈzā-shən 

: an act, process, or methodology of making something (such as a design, system, or decision) as fully perfect, functional, or effective as possible

specifically : the mathematical procedures (such as finding the maximum of a function) involved in this

Did you know?

Optimization started its gradual perfection in mid-19th-century English, when it was derived from optimize, a word first used in the early part of that same century with the meaning "to make the best or most of." In basic applications, optimization refers to the act or process of making something as good as it can be. In the 21st century, it has seen much use in technical contexts having to do with attaining the best possible functionality, as in "network optimization" and "search engine optimization" (SEO). Like the words optimum and optimism (which refer, respectively, to the amount or degree of something that is best or most effective, and to a feeling or belief that good things will happen in the future), optimize and optimization derive from Latin optimus, meaning "best."

Examples of optimization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

George Ninikas is the senior vice president of sales and accounts, supply chain planning, Americas for ORTEC, a leading provider of advanced analytics and optimization solutions. — George Ninikas, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

For creators who want additional control, Hi3D also provides tools for manual color adjustment, painting refinement, and detailed optimization through its Studio environment. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

Heidrick & Struggles sees advanced analytics increase by 350%, database architecture and data management grow by 150%, and process optimization and transformation rise by 147%. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026

The Human Role When Machines Handle The Rest As AI absorbs more of the operational layer—content production, data analysis, personalization at scale and process optimization—the distinctly human contribution doesn't shrink. — Nataliya Andreychuk, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

optimize + -ation

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing optimization

• sub-optimization

Rhymes for optimization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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