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

With the ability to hold a 74-ton payload and over 1,600 square feet of deck space, the SSC provides optimal room to transport supplies, vehicles—including up to four Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicles (ARVs)—and equipment to shorelines. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026

Combine that with therapy and her personal journey of writing and recording Mud, and Wolf is in optimal headspace for a return to the road. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2026

Both experts recommended following general sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining an optimal environment (dark, cool and quiet), keeping a consistent sleep schedule and avoiding sleep-disrupting substances such as alcohol and caffeine. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Prime for Young Adults is the optimal Amazon Prime tier for you. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

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