ˌsəb-ˈäp-tə-məl
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard
yes, living on junk food generally means that you have a suboptimal diet
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of suboptimal
From redundant processes in supply chains to suboptimal energy consumption, these issues reduce overall societal wealth.
—
Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Luck has two options: Hire a permanent coach this spring under suboptimal circumstances; or appoint an interim coach for the 2025 season.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025
There will be a natural temptation, though, to kick the can with a suboptimal nuclear deal, which would be a mistake.
—The Editors, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
More than 300 studies show consistent associations between lower socioeconomic status and suboptimal sleep health.
—American Heart Association News, Boston Herald, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suboptimal
Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Luck has two options: Hire a permanent coach this spring under suboptimal circumstances; or appoint an interim coach for the 2025 season.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025
There will be a natural temptation, though, to kick the can with a suboptimal nuclear deal, which would be a mistake.
—The Editors, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
More than 300 studies show consistent associations between lower socioeconomic status and suboptimal sleep health.
—American Heart Association News, Boston Herald, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suboptimal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suboptimal
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, an unacceptable state of affairs persists.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2025
-
The latest version of a controversial bill that would require the sale of federal land to pay for tax cuts limits the scope of Bureau of Land Management property eligible for sale, but remains unacceptable to hunting, fishing, and conservation leaders.—
Andrew McKean,
Outdoor Life,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
The key drivers are BGE’s soaring spending and profits and poor management by PJM Interconnection, the private entity that operates our electric grid.—
Emily Scarr,
Baltimore Sun,
29 June 2025
-
Despite having a poor 2024 season that saw the Pirates remove Bednar from the closer role, the right-hander is back to his dominant form.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
Her only 'crime' seems to be coming from the 'wrong' country.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
-
Using the wrong cleaners, such as ammonia and glass cleaner, can cause permanent streaks and damage.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.—
Kevin Fisher-Paulson,
San Francisco Chronicle,
8 June 2021
-
My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.—
Tim Neville,
Outside Online,
23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
-
After several months of strong economic news but incredibly weak consumer sentiment, America is starting to see those trends reverse: The vibes are on the rebound, but evidence is mounting that the economy is getting worse.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
28 June 2025
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In your garden, stink bugs can be a real bad problem...—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
If a person is not deficient in iron, too much iron can cause significant problems.5 3.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
23 June 2025
-
Noted: Nearly 1 in 4 Americans is deficient in Vitamin D.—
Hannah Yasharoff,
USA Today,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
His main opponent in the primary was a deeply flawed yet mainstream candidate.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2025
-
This character of Michelle was so juicy (laughs) and so flawed.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Suboptimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suboptimal. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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