optimal

American  

[op-tuh-muhl] / ˈɒp tə məl /

adjective

1. optimum.

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optimal British  

/ ˈɒptɪməl /

adjective

1. another word for optimum

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Other Word Forms

• optimality noun
• optimally adverb
• superoptimal adjective

Etymology

Origin of optimal

First recorded in 1885–90; optim(um) + -al ¹

Compare meaning

How does optimal compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• optimum vs. optimal

Example Sentences

“Despite crude in the ground, the country’s production and infrastructure are far below optimal,” they said.

From MarketWatch

With the precise details set, top military officials simply had to wait for the optimal conditions to launch.

From BBC

Part of the discussion was how to get the best out of Douglas Luiz and find the optimal midfield pairing with a number six who could use the ball and had positional discipline.

From BBC

China’s economy is “moving forward in the face of pressure, developing in a new and optimal direction, and showing strong resilience and vitality,” Xi told a gathering of a political-advisory body in Beijing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Stifel analysts noted that retail inventory levels in North America supported their view of a “domestic-led turnaround,” though the metric remained “slightly above optimal” internationally.

From Barron's

Related Words

• excellent