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Glite Dictionary
non-ideal

non-ideal

1 5.5
Not working exactly like a perfect case
  • adjective
  • /nɑn-aɪˈdɪəl/
: no ideal
  • He decided to settle for a non-ideal option instead of waiting for the perfect one.

Examples

  • The project faced several non-ideal conditions that affected its outcomes.

  • Her non-ideal performance in the interview still secured her a place in the program.

  • OK, now let's go over to non ideal solutions.

Synonyms

imperfect
vsnon-ideal
73 3.5

Having faults or missing parts that make it less good

emphasizes not reaching an ideal overall standard rather than specific faults
unideal
vsnon-ideal
1 5.7

Not the best choice for a situation

focuses on failing to meet the ideal or best possible standard

Antonyms

ideal
333 4.2

Perfect or best for a particular purpose

How Ideal

perfect
∞ 1.0
ideal
229 3.8
non-ideal
1 5.5

Surface Forms

non-ideal positive

Morphology

non-ideal = ideal (transparent) = non + ideal

Meaning is directly negative ('not') applied to the adjective 'ideal', which a B1 learner can readily interpret.

Etymology

Non-ideal combines non- meaning 'not' and ideal meaning 'perfect' or 'best'. So non-ideal describes something that is not the perfect case, like a real engine that loses energy to friction.