ultimatum

noun

ul·​ti·​ma·​tum ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-təm How to pronounce ultimatum (audio) -ˈmä- How to pronounce ultimatum (audio)
plural ultimatums or ultimata ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-tə How to pronounce ultimatum (audio)
-ˈmä-
: a final proposition, condition, or demand
especially : one whose rejection will end negotiations and cause a resort to force or other direct action

Examples of ultimatum in a Sentence

She was given an ultimatum—work harder or lose her job. issued the ultimatum that the project be finished by the following week, or it would be terminated
Recent Examples on the Web Operation Ceasefire sought to negotiate de-escalations to gun violence between warring gangs by offering an ultimatum: either stop retaliating against each other and instead be connected with mentorship and jobs and education opportunities, or face strong prosecution. Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 The former police officer, now the country’s most powerful gang leader, has issued Henry an ultimatum: resign or face a civil war. Samantha Schmidt, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 After the rebels rejected several warnings and an ultimatum, the U.S. and U.K. began to launch joint attacks on Houthi military targets starting Jan. 11. Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 What's happening: - House Speaker Johnson gives President Biden ultimatum on Ukraine funding… - Trump sits down for Iowa townhall on ‘Hannity' at 9 p.m. ET. Fox News Staff, Fox News, 5 Dec. 2023 The news of the ultimatum given to Navalnaya sparked furious reaction from Navalny’s team. Anna Chernova, CNN, 23 Feb. 2024 Trump’s ultimatum didn't put an immediate dent in Haley’s overall support from large donors. Rachel Looker, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2024 That requires Republicans to come to the table with proposals, but not ultimatums. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 That leads me to my next question: Was the be-recruited-as-Traitor-or-die ultimatum in this week's cliffhanger a direct result of Peter turning down his recruitment offer earlier? Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ultimatum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Medieval Latin, neuter of ultimatus final

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultimatum was in 1731

Dictionary Entries Near ultimatum

Cite this Entry

“Ultimatum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultimatum. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ultimatum

noun
ul·​ti·​ma·​tum ˌəl-tə-ˈmāt-əm How to pronounce ultimatum (audio) -ˈmät- How to pronounce ultimatum (audio)
plural ultimatums or ultimata -ə How to pronounce ultimatum (audio)
: a demand that if rejected will bring about an end of peaceful talks and could lead to forceful action

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