suboptimal

adjective

sub·​op·​ti·​mal

ˌsəb-ˈäp-tə-məl

 

variants or sub-optimal

: less than optimal : not at the best possible level

suboptimal performance

suboptimal conditions/results/solutions

received suboptimal care

… such is life at the sharp end of evolution, where the pursuit of self-interest frequently leads to suboptimal outcomes for all concerned.

—The Economist

Training at sub-optimal levels fatigues you and wastes time you could have spent at the high levels you hope to achieve.

—Rick Crawford

suboptimally adverb

or sub-optimally

… countless companies perform suboptimally. They fail to capitalize on a unique competitive advantage.

—Erik Matson

Synonyms

• bad
• bastard
• bush
• bush-league
• crummy
• crumby
• deficient
• dissatisfactory
• ill
• inferior
• lame
• lousy
• off
• paltry
• poor
• punk
• sour
• subpar
• substandard
• unacceptable
• unsatisfactory
• wack [slang]
• wanting
• wretched
• wrong

Examples of suboptimal in a Sentence

yes, living on junk food generally means that you have a suboptimal diet

Recent Examples on the Web

Indeed, of all the emotions that can steer us toward suboptimal decisions, fear may be the most powerful because of its physiological implications, in addition to its psychological. —Tim Maurer, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024

Researchers built a model to analyze irrational behaviors in humans related to suboptimal problem-solving. —Robert Clark, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024

However, some studies of suboptimal quality have produced unclear results.10 Some evidence points to low magnesium levels as a risk factor for anxiety and depression. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2024

His preference for control over competition often leads to policies that appear suboptimal in the short run. —Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

suboptimal

adjective

sub·​op·​ti·​mal ˌsəb-ˈäp-tə-məl 

: less than optimal

a suboptimal diet

a suboptimal dose of a drug