Optimization

/ˌɑːptəməˈzeɪʃən/ (US), /ˌɒptɪmaɪˈzeɪʃən/ (UK) noun

Definition

Optimization is the process of making something as effective, efficient, or useful as possible.

Etymology

From “optimize” plus the noun-forming suffix “-ation.” “Optimize” comes from Latin “optimus,” meaning “best,” and originally appeared in technical and mathematical contexts.

Kelly Says

In real life, ‘optimization’ almost always means balancing trade-offs, not pushing one thing to the extreme. If you optimize only for speed, you might destroy quality—so the hidden question is always: ‘Best for what, exactly?’

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