optimize
/ˈɒp.tɪ.maɪz/- 1.
To make something work as well as possible. This usually means adjusting or fine-tuning a process, system, or plan so it gives the best result with the least waste.
- She optimized the team's schedule to reduce overtime hours.
- The engineer optimized the app so it uses less battery.
- You should optimize your résumé for each job you apply to.
- 2.
In technology and business, to adjust something — like a website, advertisement, or supply chain — so it performs better for a specific goal.
- They hired an expert to optimize their website for Google search.
- The company optimized its delivery routes to cut fuel costs.
Adinary Nuance
Optimize is often confused with improve, maximize, and enhance — but each word fits a different situation. "Improve" simply means to make something better and has no specific endpoint; "optimize" implies reaching the best possible balance, often with trade-offs in mind (e.g., you optimize speed and cost together, not just one). "Maximize" pushes a single factor as high as possible — it's one-dimensional — while "optimize" is smarter about balancing multiple goals. "Enhance" adds value or quality to something that already works, whereas "optimize" is about efficiency and performance. In Indian business English, "optimize resources" and "optimize processes" are very natural; saying "maximize resources" can sound aggressive or unrealistic, and "improve resources" sounds vague compared to "optimize."
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tối ưu hóa
- Spanish
- optimizar
- Chinese
- 优化
- Japanese
- 最適化
- Korean
- 최적화
Etymology
From Latin "optimus," meaning "best," which entered English in the early 19th century through the noun "optimum." The verb "optimize" became common in English by the 1850s and grew rapidly in business and technology contexts through the 20th century.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'optimize' and 'maximize'?
- 'Maximize' means to push one thing as high as possible, like maximizing profit. 'Optimize' means finding the best overall balance — for example, optimizing profit while also controlling costs. Optimize is smarter; maximize is more extreme.
- Is 'optimize' a formal word? Can I use it in business emails?
- Yes, 'optimize' is very common in professional and business writing. It fits perfectly in emails, reports, and presentations. It sounds data-driven and goal-focused, which is valued in business contexts.
- Is 'optimise' also correct, or should I write 'optimize'?
- Both are correct. 'Optimize' is American English spelling; 'optimise' is British English spelling. In India, both are accepted, but 'optimize' is more common in tech and business contexts globally.
- Can 'optimize' be used for people, or only for systems and processes?
- It is most natural with systems, processes, websites, and workflows. Using it for people ('optimize your employee') can sound cold or robotic. For people, 'develop', 'train', or 'improve' usually sounds better.