optimization

[ op-tuh-muh-zey-shuhn ]

1. the fact of optimizing; making the best of anything.
2. the condition of being optimized.
3. Mathematics. a mathematical technique for finding a maximum or minimum value of a function of several variables subject to a set of constraints, as linear programming or systems analysis.

Word History and Origins

Origin of optimization¹

First recorded in 1855–60; optimize + -ation

Example Sentences

He argues that this is why the US authorities have been “largely laissez-faire in their approach to chasing tax optimization schemes that Dublin has been developing over decades”.

From BBC

“As part of this ongoing optimization work, we have been reviewing the cost structure for our corporate-level functions and have determined there are ways for them to operate more efficiently,” the Disney spokesperson added.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s accomplished by gaming Google’s search engine optimization rules to get your AI-generated garbage to the top of a search results page for whatever product or service people are likely to be searching for.

From Salon

So in certain circumstances, no amount of dietary optimization will overcome the social and psychological factors that may underpin one's experience.

From Salon

Feng said the simple physics model gets researchers most of the way there, then the computer optimization is able to account for complexities that the physics equations can’t handle.

From Los Angeles Times

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