local optimization
nounUK /ˌləʊkəl ˌɒptɪmaɪˈzeɪʃən/
US /ˌloʊkəl ˌɑːptɪməˈzeɪʃən/
Finding the best answer nearby, but maybe not the best answer of all.
The hiker used local optimization to climb the nearest hill, even though a taller mountain stood far away.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In math, making a value as big or small as possible within a small area around a point.
The curve reaches a local maximum at the top of that small bump.
3. In computer science, improving a solution step by step by trying small changes.
The program used local optimization to shorten the delivery route one swap at a time.
4. In machine learning, adjusting settings to get the best result near the starting point.
Training got stuck in local optimization and never found the very best settings.