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

"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

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

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

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart