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suboptimal

[suhb-op-tuh-muh l]
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adjective
  1. being below an optimal level or standard.
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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

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

Word Origin and History for suboptimal

adj.

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

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper