The word “optimize” means to make the best or most effective use of something, to improve it to its highest possible level.
Antonyms for “optimize” could include “neglect” or “worsen”.
“Neglect” implies a failure to take proper care or give due attention to something. When you neglect a task or a process, you are not making any effort to optimize it. For example, if you neglect to maintain your car, it will not perform at its best and you are not optimizing its condition. Instead of making improvements, neglect leads to a decline in quality or effectiveness.
“Worsen” means to make something worse or more negative. This is clearly the opposite of optimizing, which aims to make things better. For instance, if a situation worsens, it is moving away from an optimized state. If a disease worsens instead of being treated and optimized for better health, it is going in the opposite direction.
In conclusion, while “optimize” is about enhancing and perfecting, “neglect” and “worsen” represent actions or states that are contrary to optimization, leading to a decrease in quality or effectiveness.