optimization
op-tih-mih-ZAY-shun
/ˌɒp.tɪ.maɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/
The action of making the best or most effective use of a situation or resource.
In engineering, optimization is a mathematical process of finding the maximum or minimum of a function, not just 'making things better.'
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'optimus,' meaning 'best.' It entered the English language in the early 19th century, originally in a philosophical context (the belief that this is the best of all possible worlds) before becoming a technical term.
Word relationships
- refinement: Refinement makes something more elegant; optimization makes it more efficient.
- maximization: Maximization only looks at increasing one thing; optimization balances multiple factors for the best result.
- suboptimization: Suboptimization is the practice of optimizing one part of a system at the expense of the whole.
Commonly confused with
- improvement: Improvement is any positive change; optimization is reaching the 'best' possible state.
Word family
- optimize (verb): To make as perfect or effective as possible.
- optimum (noun/adjective): The most favorable condition.
Collocations
- process optimization
- cost optimization
- mathematical optimization
- search engine optimization
Example sentences
- "We should forget about small efficiencies, say about 97% of the time: premature optimization is the root of all evil." A famous warning against focusing on the wrong details in programming. (Donald Knuth, Structured Programming with go to Statements)
- "The software performed a route optimization to ensure drivers spent the least amount of time in traffic." Improving delivery routes for a courier company.
Memory hook
Think of 'Optimus Prime' from Transformers—the 'best' and most 'optimal' leader. Aim for the best.
When not to use
Avoid using it as a synonym for 'improvement' if no specific constraints or goals are being balanced.
Fun facts
- The term 'optimization' was rarely used in mathematics until the development of linear programming in the 1940s.
Related words
Explore more words
optimize, efficiency, efficient, pareto-optimal, deploy, effective
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