suboptimal

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.

“In crisis moments, people tend to make suboptimal decisions,” said Shah.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

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

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

On a more quotidian basis, my physicians simply ignore a lot of what I say and, of course, they can’t be expected to remember everything about every patient, opening the door to various suboptimal consequences.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 29, 2025

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

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2025

“Why say suboptimal? Why not say what you really are? Thoughtless and confusing and manipulative?”

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart