non-optimal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'non-optimal' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is less than optimal, such as "The team's performance was non-optimal due to limited resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This leads to financial losses and non-optimal revenue.

TechCrunch

a Throughput for non-optimal scheme.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

This is non-optimal for strain compatibility.

Acta Materialia

Selecting a non-optimal method could cost you significantly in lost opportunity.

TechCrunch

Figure 21 Non-optimal route versus number of nodes.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

This may have resulted from non-optimal parameter selection.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Using the NWLBP model achieves better (fewer) non-optimal routes.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Figure 20 Non-optimal route versus maximum node speed.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In non-optimal conditions, one kilometer accuracy is about all a person could expect (a 12 city block radius!).

TechCrunch

Both non-optimal (sufficient) and optimal control strategies are suggested.

Atmósfera

Meanwhile the expert policy may be non-optimal and stochastic.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "non-optimal" to objectively describe a situation, strategy, or result that does not achieve the best possible outcome, without necessarily implying failure or severe inadequacy.

Common error

While "non-optimal" is a perfectly valid term, its formal tone might sound unnatural in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not ideal" or "not the best" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "non-optimal" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a state or condition that is less than ideal or not the best possible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "non-optimal" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adjective to describe something that is less than the best possible outcome. Predominantly found in scientific and formal contexts, it objectively conveys that a situation or result is not ideal, without necessarily implying a severe failure. When writing, remember to consider the context; while acceptable in formal settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal communication. Be aware of the formal tone and consider alternative wordings, like "suboptimal" or "less than ideal" to maintain the right tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suboptimal

A direct synonym, indicating something is less than optimal.

less than ideal

Expresses that something isn't perfect or the best possible.

not ideal

Similar to 'less than ideal', but slightly more direct.

imperfect

Highlights flaws or shortcomings.

not the best

A simple and clear way to say something is not optimal.

deficient

Indicates a lack or shortage of something necessary.

faulty

Suggests a flaw that impairs function or correctness.

inadequate

Implies that something is insufficient or not good enough.

compromised

Indicates that something has been weakened or impaired.

flawed

Highlights the presence of a defect or imperfection.

FAQs

How can I use "non-optimal" in a sentence?

You can use "non-optimal" to describe something that isn't the best or most effective choice. For example, "Using that method resulted in "non-optimal results"".

What is a good substitute for the term "non-optimal"?

Depending on the context, consider using "suboptimal", "less than ideal", or "not the best" as alternatives.

Is it appropriate to use "non-optimal" in formal writing?

Yes, "non-optimal" is suitable for formal writing. It's a precise and professional way to describe something that isn't achieving the best possible outcome. It is preferred to its shorter version "suboptimal", which is less frequently used in English.

What's the difference between "non-optimal" and "optimal"?

"Optimal" describes the best or most favorable outcome, while "non-optimal" indicates that the outcome is "less than ideal" or not the best possible.