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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

Sticking with some fixed percentage just felt wrong and suboptimal to me.

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025

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

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2025

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

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart