adjective
Common
optimal
OP-tih-muhl
Optimal (adjective) means the best possible under the circumstances; most favorable given the constraints. Example: “Tomatoes grow best at the optimal temperature, which is warm but not too hot.”
adjective
1
The best possible under the circumstances; most favorable given the constraints.
"Tomatoes grow best at the optimal temperature, which is warm but not too hot."
"Finding the optimal balance between features and price is a common problem."
"Herewith, a brief primer in speaking basic North Carolinaese, meant to be read aloud for optimal effect."
— Susan Stafford Kelly, What Say You (2014)
"Eight hours is considered the optimal amount of sleep for most adults."
"They adjusted the settings to find the optimal balance between speed and accuracy."
How to use optimal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe best choice or condition available given the limits you're working within.
Common mistake
Since "optimal" already means "the best," avoid saying "more optimal" or "most optimal."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
optimal conditions
optimal solution
optimal performance
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Word forms
- Plural
- optimals
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Tomatoes grow best at the _____ temperature, which is warm but not too hot.
Etymology
From Latin optimus, "best," the superlative of bonus, "good."
Related words
Rhymes for optimal
See all rhymes for optimal →Frequently asked questions
What does “optimal” mean?
The word “optimal” means the best possible under the circumstances; most favorable given the constraints. In plain terms, the best choice or condition available given the limits you're working within.
How do you pronounce “optimal”?
“Optimal” is pronounced OP-tih-muhl (/ˈɑptɪməl/ in IPA).
How do you use “optimal” in a sentence?
Here is “optimal” used in a sentence: “Eight hours is considered the optimal amount of sleep for most adults.”
What is the opposite of “optimal”?
The opposite of “optimal” — its antonyms — are pessimal and worst.
What part of speech is “optimal”?
“Optimal” is an adjective.
Where does the word “optimal” come from?
The word “optimal” comes from Latin. From Latin optimus, "best," the superlative of bonus, "good.".
Is “optimal” a common word?
“Optimal” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'optimal' and 'optimum'?
The two overlap in meaning, both describing the best or most favourable option. 'Optimal' is only an adjective, while 'optimum' can be an adjective or a noun, as in finding the optimum; in everyday use they are often interchangeable as adjectives.
What is the difference between optimal and maximal?
'Maximal' means the greatest possible in amount or degree, while 'optimal' means the best given the constraints, which is not always the largest. The optimal setting balances several factors, whereas the maximal setting is simply the highest one.
Is it correct to say 'more optimal'?
Many style guides treat 'optimal' as an absolute term meaning the single best option, so phrases like 'more optimal' are often considered redundant. Careful writers prefer 'better' or 'closer to optimal' instead.
What is the difference between optimal and ideal?
'Ideal' describes a perfect standard that may not be achievable, while 'optimal' means the best result that is actually possible given real constraints. An ideal outcome is the dream; an optimal outcome is the best you can realistically reach.
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