What does "optimization" mean?

1. (improving a process) the act of making a system or process work as well as it possibly can. 2. (software efficiency) making a computer program run faster or use less memory.

How do you use "optimization"?

Often used with the preposition 'of' followed by the process being improved. Commonly functions as an uncountable noun in technical contexts.

optimization

US //ɑptəməˈzeɪʃən// op·ti·miza·tion

1 improving a process (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

the act of making a system or process work as well as it possibly can.

the design and operation of a system or process to achieve the most effective or functional state possible.

Example

The company focused on the optimization of its delivery routes to save money on fuel.

Example

The logistics manager implemented a series of workflow optimizations that significantly reduced the turnaround time for international shipments.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' followed by the process being improved.
- neglect
- worsening
2 software efficiency (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

making a computer program run faster or use less memory.

the modification of a software system or algorithm to improve its execution speed or reduce its resource consumption.

Example

After some code optimization, the app started much faster on older phones.

Example

The compiler performs several levels of optimization to ensure the final executable runs efficiently on the target hardware architecture.

Usage

Commonly functions as an uncountable noun in technical contexts.

Teacher's tip

In computing, this often refers to a trade-off where you improve speed at the cost of memory, or vice versa.
- tuning
- streamlining

Origin

From optimize + -ation.