nearly optimal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearly optimal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a solution or outcome that is close to the best possible but not quite perfect. Example: "The algorithm produced a nearly optimal solution to the problem, significantly improving efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The robustness and nearly optimal performance of the optimized mass exchanger structure is discussed.

International Journal of Thermal Sciences

These values were nearly optimal for maize37.

Nature

We also show the nearly optimal complexity numerically.

Journal of Computational Physics

In many cases our method yields nearly optimal bounds.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Several nearly optimal configurations are found in the design space.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

Beyond being fast, the algorithm schedules tasks at the elusive "nearly optimal" level of efficiency.

MIT Technology Review

This prompts a new algorithm that is nearly optimal in essentially all parameter regimes.

University of California, Berkeley

Two branch-and-bound algorithms are described to generate nearly optimal solutions, and methods are discussed to summarise and to present nearly optimal solutions.

European Journal of Operational Research

We will explain why the conditions are nearly optimal and give an application.

Journal of Functional Analysis

This figure is roughly the same as the accuracy of the scanning technology, indicating a nearly optimal surface reconstruction.

Stanford University

In the pure-routing case, both the PI and RB policies are nearly optimal.

Computers & Operations Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nearly optimal" to convey that a solution or result is very close to the best possible outcome, but acknowledge that it might not be absolutely perfect. This is useful when precision is important but absolute perfection is unattainable or unnecessary.

Common error

Avoid using "nearly optimal" when the situation genuinely requires an optimal solution. Ensure that the slight deviation from perfection is acceptable within the given context; otherwise, strive for true optimization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearly optimal" functions as an adjective phrase modifying nouns. It indicates that something is close to being the best possible, but not perfectly so. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

Academia

23%

News & Media

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nearly optimal" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that describes something approaching the best possible state without being absolutely perfect. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its prevalence in scientific, academic, and technical contexts. Its purpose is to communicate high effectiveness while acknowledging minor deviations from true optimality. When writing, it's important to ensure that the slight imperfection implied by "nearly optimal" is acceptable within the given context and to consider alternative phrases like "almost ideal" or "practically optimal" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost ideal

Suggests a close approximation to the perfect or ideal state.

practically optimal

Emphasizes the real-world applicability of the optimality.

virtually optimal

Highlights that the condition is so close to optimal that the difference is negligible.

close to ideal

Indicates a proximity to a perfect or ideal condition.

approaching optimal

Suggests that the condition is in the process of becoming optimal.

substantially optimal

Emphasizes that the optimality is significant or considerable.

effectively optimal

Highlights that the condition functions as if it were truly optimal.

near-perfect

Uses a more general term to describe the high quality.

remarkably good

Focuses on the positive outcome and notable quality.

highly effective

Indicates the solution or method is very successful.

FAQs

How can I use "nearly optimal" in a sentence?

You can use "nearly optimal" to describe solutions, configurations, or parameters that are very close to the best possible but not perfectly so. For instance, "The algorithm provides a "nearly optimal" solution to the problem".

What's a good substitute for "nearly optimal"?

Alternatives include "almost ideal", "practically optimal", or "virtually optimal" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "nearly optimal" or "optimal"?

Use "optimal" when the solution is the absolute best possible. Use "nearly optimal" when the solution is very close to the best but not quite perfect, acknowledging a slight deviation from absolute perfection.

What does "nearly optimal" imply about the solution?

It implies that the solution is highly effective and very close to the best possible outcome but may have minor imperfections or limitations that prevent it from being truly optimal.