suboptimal

[suhb-op-tuh-muhl] / sʌbˈɒp tə məl /

ADJECTIVE

below the standard

Synonyms

STRONGEST

substandard

STRONG

subprime

WEAK

insignificant minimal negligible paltry piddling trifling trivial

Antonyms

STRONGEST

excellent flawless highest ideal optimal superlative

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Without fiduciaries serving as a buffer between the participant and the market, investments will be suboptimal.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

Also in support was Saban’s fellow commentator Kirk Herbstreit, who at least acknowledged the situation would be suboptimal, but felt Kiffin should be allowed to complete “a magical year.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 1, 2025

Rather, it is likely a combination of perverse incentives and suboptimal policies.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

It does not take an expert to say that getting bowled out in an ODI is suboptimal.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2025

“Cadence! I really need to just start over. This is going from suboptimal down to total crap.”

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart