Optimization: meaning, definitions and examples

Apply when making something function at its best, often using data and algorithms. Common in tech and business settings.

• The new software update includes several optimizations to run faster.
• We need to focus on the optimization of the supply chain to reduce costs.

Utilize when talking about making something better in a general sense, without a specific focus. Suitable in almost any setting.

• There has been a marked improvement in your performance since last month.
• The new policy aims at an overall improvement of workplace conditions.

Use when making an existing system or product better, without necessarily focusing on efficiency. Applicable in various contexts, including tech, products, and services.

• The latest smartphone offers camera enhancements that rival professional equipment.
• We are rolling out enhancements to our customer service protocol to improve user satisfaction.

Best for describing the process of making something more efficient by simplifying it. Often associated with reducing complexity and increasing productivity.

• We need to streamline our workflow to eliminate unnecessary steps.
• The company is in the process of streamlining its operations to cut down on overhead costs.

Used when discussing the process of making something as effective or functional as possible. Often used in engineering, technology, and business processes.

• The team focused on the optimization of the algorithm to improve processing speed.
• Optimization of supply chain management can lead to significant cost savings.

Refers to the act of making something as large or as great as possible. Often used in finance, business strategies, and resource allocation.

• The company aims at the maximization of its profits in the next fiscal year.
• Maximization of shareholder value is a key objective for corporate managers.

Describes the state of being the best possible, often used in mathematical and economic contexts to refer to conditions that yield the most favorable result.

• The researcher needed to prove the optimality of the proposed solution.
• In economics, optimality conditions are crucial for resource allocation.

Used to describe the ability to accomplish a task with minimal waste of time and resources. Commonly used in productivity, performance, and resource management contexts.

• Energy efficiency is crucial for reducing environmental impact.
• The new system improved workplace efficiency by automating repetitive tasks.

This word should be mentioned only once in the list, as it is repeated.

Use this word when talking about changing something to fit a new environment or situation. Often used in biological, environmental, and social contexts.

• The company's adaptation to the new market conditions was impressive.
• The adaptation of this species to the desert environment is fascinating.

Use this word when discussing gradual development or change over time, often associated with biological change but also applicable to ideas and technologies.

• The evolution of smartphones has been rapid over the past decade.
• Darwin's theory of evolution explains how species change over time.

Use this word for general enhancement or making something better. It is a more general term and can be used in a variety of contexts.

• Regular feedback is essential for the improvement of our services.
• The new policy has led to an improvement in employee satisfaction.