suboptimal

Everyday

1. (euphemism, jargon) not as good as it could be; in plain words, poor or bad. tree →
2. (technical) not the best possible solution in maths or computing. tree →

In the lessons

Used in business, science and polite criticism to avoid saying "bad"; jargon, all regions. Often humorous understatement.

Examples

• The results were suboptimal: we lost ten nil. tree →
• The weather for the picnic was suboptimal. tree →
• That route is suboptimal; the other way is shorter. tree →
• "Suboptimal" is a fancy way of saying it went wrong. tree →
• The computer found a suboptimal answer. tree →
• Forgetting your PE kit on match day is suboptimal. tree →

Note

Often an understatement for "bad". In maths, "optimal" means best; suboptimal is anything worse than the best answer.