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

Gross margin outlook also fell below our model due to early 18A ramps (suboptimal yields) and mix. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026

Up for debate is how well NASA’s Artemis mission managers understand the problem and exactly how much risk the suboptimal heat shield poses to the four astronauts slated to launch in a few weeks. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026

Chronic stress, poor sleep, inconsistent movement, and suboptimal nutrition are common, but often overlooked is the internal load CEOs carry due to unresolved personal strain, isolation, and the pressure of constant responsibility. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Their default mode has been to run out the options clock, which seems entirely suboptimal. —Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026

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