Nonoptimal

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /nɒnˈɒptɪməl/

Definitions

1. Not representing the best or most efficient choice or outcome
2. Falling short of the ideal level or maximum effectiveness
3. Describing a state or option that is less than completely optimal or successful

Etymology: "Nonoptimal" is about as transparent as English coinages get: the prefix "non-" attached to "optimal," which itself comes from Latin "optimus," meaning "best." Put together, the word describes something that falls short of the best possible outcome without necessarily being bad. The interest lies in what the prefix does. "Non-" is a negating element that English has attached freely to adjectives for centuries, so "nonoptimal" joins a long family of similar forms such as "nonstandard" and "noncritical." Its sense is deliberately softer than "suboptimal" or "bad." Something nonoptimal is simply not the best arrangement, which is why the word turns up in engineering, medicine and economics, where a setup may work perfectly well yet still leave room for improvement.

Synonyms: suboptimal, inferior, inefficient, less effective, unsatisfactory

Antonyms: optimal, ideal, perfect, best, most effective