suboptimal

adjective

sub·​op·​ti·​mal ˌsəb-ˈäp-tə-məl 

variants or sub-optimal

: less than optimal : not at the best possible level

suboptimal performance

suboptimal conditions/results/solutions

received suboptimal care

… such is life at the sharp end of evolution, where the pursuit of self-interest frequently leads to suboptimal outcomes for all concerned.

—The Economist

Training at sub-optimal levels fatigues you and wastes time you could have spent at the high levels you hope to achieve.

—Rick Crawford

suboptimally adverb

or sub-optimally

… countless companies perform suboptimally. They fail to capitalize on a unique competitive advantage.

—Erik Matson

Synonyms of suboptimal

• unacceptable
• poor
• wrong
• lame
• bad
• deficient
• flawed

Examples of suboptimal in a Sentence

yes, living on junk food generally means that you have a suboptimal diet

Recent Examples on the Web

For organizations struggling with the classic challenges of cross-functional collaboration—territorial disputes, communication gaps, and suboptimal compromises—AI offers a pathway to genuine integration. —François Candelon, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025

In suboptimal circumstances, Zollers looked the part of a Power 4 quarterback. —Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025

Not surprisingly, blood glucose control was often suboptimal. —Carrie Arnold, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025

Fueled by excitement—and perhaps fear of missing out—businesses are racing to use AI, even if in suboptimal ways. —Harry Booth, Time, 6 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

suboptimal

adjective

sub·​op·​ti·​mal ˌsəb-ˈäp-tə-məl 

: less than optimal

a suboptimal diet

a suboptimal dose of a drug