optimal

[ op-tuh-muhl ]

adjective

1. optimum ( def 3 ).

optimal

/ ˈɒptɪməl /

adjective

1. another word for optimum

Derived Forms

• ˈoptimally, adverb
• ˌoptiˈmality, noun

Other Words From

• op·ti·mal·ly adverb
• su·per·op·ti·mal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of optimal¹

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

Example Sentences

For optimal “counterillumination,” the scientists found, the artificial light has to be brighter than the background light.

From Los Angeles Times

That would not be optimal for any team, but it could be particularly ominous for a last-place team coming off the worst record in franchise history.

From Los Angeles Times

This sounds obvious, but plenty of people fall into career paths where they aren't putting their skills to optimal use.

From Salon

It was starting to become obvious to me, if not yet to them, that avoiding the podium was more about accommodating my hearing loss than it was about constructing an optimal learning environment.

From Slate

But even in an optimal scenario, the best you start out with is a degree of ambivalence.

From Slate

Related Words

• excellent