noun
Uncommon
optimization
ahp-tuh-meye-ZAY-shuhn
Optimization (noun) means the process of making something — a system, design, or process — work as well as possible. Example: “The team spent weeks on optimization to cut the app's load time in half.”
noun
1
The process of making something — a system, design, or process — work as well as possible.
"The team spent weeks on optimization to cut the app's load time in half."
"Careful optimization of the delivery routes saved the company hours every week."
"Route optimization helps the factory use less energy while making more goods."
2
In computing, refining code or an algorithm to run faster or use fewer resources.
"The compiler performs several rounds of optimization before producing the final program."
"Code optimization made the game run smoothly even on older phones."
"Memory optimization was the main task before the software could be released."
How to use optimization
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFine-tuning something so it works at its best.
Common pairings
search engine optimization
process optimization
code optimization
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like optimization.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- optimizations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The team spent weeks on _____ to cut the app's load time in half.
Etymology
From optimize plus the noun ending -ation, ultimately from Latin optimus, "best."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for optimization
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for optimization →
Frequently asked questions
What does “optimization” mean?
The word “optimization” means the process of making something — a system, design, or process — work as well as possible. In plain terms, fine-tuning something so it works at its best.
How do you pronounce “optimization”?
“Optimization” is pronounced ahp-tuh-meye-ZAY-shuhn (/ˌɑptəmaɪˈzeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “optimization” in a sentence?
Here is “optimization” used in a sentence: “The team spent weeks on optimization to cut the app's load time in half.”
What part of speech is “optimization”?
“Optimization” is a noun.
Where does the word “optimization” come from?
The word “optimization” comes from Latin. From optimize plus the noun ending -ation, ultimately from Latin optimus, "best.".
Is “optimization” a common word?
“Optimization” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “optimization” have?
“Optimization” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the process of making something — a system, design, or process — work as well as possible.
What is the difference between "optimization" and "improvement"?
"Optimization" specifically means making a system, design, or process work as well as possible, often implying a systematic or mathematical approach to reaching the best achievable result. "Improvement" is broader and simply means making something better, without necessarily reaching an ideal or maximum state.
What does "optimization" mean in computing?
In computing, "optimization" refers to refining code or an algorithm so it runs faster or uses fewer resources, such as memory or processing power. Developers often optimize software after it works correctly, focusing on performance rather than functionality.
Is "optimization" always about speed?
No, "optimization" is not always about speed; it broadly means making something work as well as possible under given conditions, which can involve cost, accuracy, resource use, or other goals. In computing specifically, it often targets speed or resource efficiency, but the term applies to any process or system being fine-tuned toward its best result.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include optimization:
