suboptimal

[suhb-op-tuh-muh l]

See more synonyms for suboptimal on Thesaurus.com

adjective

being below an optimal level or standard.

Also sub·op·ti·mum

[suhb-op-tuh-muh m] /sʌbˈɒp tə məm/.

Origin of suboptimal

First recorded in 1930–35; sub- + optimal

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for suboptimal

substandard, minimal, trivial, piddling, insignificant, negligible, paltry, trifling

Word Origin and History for suboptimal

adj.

also sub-optimal, 1901, from sub- + optimal. Related: Suboptimally.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper