Word
optimization
Phoneticsop·ti·miza·tion
/ɑptəməˈzeɪʃən/
Definitions
01improving a process
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Academic
n. the act of making a system or process work as well as it possibly can.
n. the design and operation of a system or process to achieve the most effective or functional state possible.
“The company focused on the optimization of its delivery routes to save money on fuel.”
“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.
Synonyms
02software efficiency
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Computing Technical
n. making a computer program run faster or use less memory.
n. the modification of a software system or algorithm to improve its execution speed or reduce its resource consumption.
“After some code optimization, the app started much faster on older phones.”
“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.
Teaching tip
In computing, this often refers to a trade-off where you improve speed at the cost of memory, or vice versa.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“This allows them to identify hotspots: specific processes within the product life cycle that have particularly high environmental impacts and can be targeted for optimization.” “Android itself has more foldable optimizations than it once did, and Samsung has taken full advantage of that.” Etymology
From optimize + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/optimization