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 the past, celebrity endorsements have often pushed people toward suboptimal financial products,” said Adam Rust, director of financial services at the Consumer Federation of America, an association of nonprofit consumer organizations.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

It’s just that sometimes it’s optimal to be suboptimal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

"Many older adults in suboptimal health often continue to make valuable contributions to those around them," Han said, "and they also may be the ones to especially benefit from being provided with opportunities to help."

From Science Daily • Dec. 19, 2025

There were some things resulting from that that were suboptimal for the rest of the weekend.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

“Okay. Sorry. That was extremely suboptimal of me just now. Are you angry?”

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart