suboptimal
/ˌsʌbˈɒptɪməl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌsʌbˈɑːptɪməl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌsəb-ˈäp-tə-məl/ (ame, mw)
suboptimal — 形容詞
- suboptimalpositive
- more suboptimalcomparative
- most suboptimalsuperlative
1. falling below the best achievable level or standard in a given situation
未達最佳
低於最佳水準或理想狀態
falling below the best achievable level or standard in a given situation
Dr. Chen told the board that the clinic's suboptimal equipment was delaying patient care.
陳醫師告訴董事會，診所的設備未達最佳，正在延誤病人的治療。
attributive use: suboptimal + noun for a measurable shortfall
Amelia knew her suboptimal exam score would not get her into medical school.
Amelia 知道她的考試成績未達最佳，不足以讓她進入醫學院。
The factory reduced output after inspectors found suboptimal ventilation in the main workshop.
檢查員發現主廠房的通風未達最佳後，工廠減少了產量。
Marco's sleep schedule was suboptimal, and his coach noticed his slower reaction times.
Marco 的睡眠時間未達最佳，教練注意到他的反應變慢了。
The study's suboptimal sample size meant the researchers could not draw firm conclusions.
這項研究的樣本數未達最佳，研究人員無法得出確切的結論。
用法筆記
Often used in technical, medical, or professional contexts where a measurable ideal or standard exists. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense compares to an optimal benchmark, while sense 2 is a general quality judgment.
常見錯誤
2. of noticeably poor quality; not satisfactory
欠佳
品質明顯不好或不令人滿意
of noticeably poor quality; not satisfactory
Meera described the hotel breakfast as suboptimal: cold toast, weak coffee, and no fruit.
Meera 形容飯店的早餐品質欠佳：冷吐司、淡咖啡，而且沒有水果。
describe [something] as suboptimal
The internet at the library was suboptimal, so Imani packed up and went to a café.
圖書館的網路欠佳，Imani 收拾東西去了咖啡館。
Hana found the textbook's explanations suboptimal and bought a different one online.
Hana 覺得教科書的解釋欠佳，在網路上買了另一本。
Noa said the first pottery class was suboptimal — every bowl collapsed before firing.
Noa 說第一堂陶藝課的成果欠佳——每個碗都在燒製前塌掉了。
The plumbing in Lakan's new apartment was suboptimal — the shower barely trickled warm water.
Lakan 新公寓的水管欠佳——淋浴時只有微弱的溫水流出。
- poor
more common and more direct
- mediocre
average to slightly below; milder than 'poor'
- unsatisfactory
formal; often used in official assessments
- excellent
of the highest quality
- satisfactory
good enough; meeting expectations
用法筆記
A milder, more formal way of saying something is 'not very good.' Less direct than 'poor' or 'bad.' Distinguish from sense 1: this sense does not imply comparison to an optimal standard.