ultimatum

noun

ul·​ti·​ma·​tum ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-təm  -ˈmä- 

plural ultimatums or ultimata ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-tə 

-ˈmä-

: a final proposition, condition, or demand

especially : one whose rejection will end negotiations and cause a resort to force or other direct action

Synonyms of ultimatum

• demand
• request
• requirement

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

Election confidence is built by facts, transparency, and trustworthy administration—not by panic, paperwork, and political ultimatums. — Reid Ribble, Time, 8 July 2026

That a national symbol could effectively become part of a financial ultimatum reflects only how political this birthday party has become. — Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026

According to Netflix, Jessica is the one who issued the ultimatum. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026

Their ultimatum quickly drew in other groups with similar agendas, including Operation Dudula – a violent vigilante group known for physically blocking migrants from entering health facilities and schools. — Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Medieval Latin, neuter of ultimatus final

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ultimatum

• latum
• verbatim

Kids Definition

ultimatum

noun

ul·​ti·​ma·​tum ˌəl-tə-ˈmāt-əm  -ˈmät- 

plural ultimatums or ultimata -ə 

: a demand that if rejected will bring about an end of peaceful talks and could lead to forceful action