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

According to Bonds, the potential deal was derailed by an ultimatum from owner George Steinbrenner, who died in 2010. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026

Shepherd and Bridges had ended their affair and Cybill was in love with Peter but Peter, in response to an ultimatum by Polly, was attempting to do the right thing, which upset Cybill. —Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026

The department issued its ultimatum in a Tuesday letter. —ABC News, 25 Mar. 2026

That ultimatum was set to expire Monday night. —Steve Kopack, NBC news, 23 Mar. 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