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

• 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

Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025

Trump had moved up an ultimatum to impose additional sanctions on Russia and introduce secondary tariffs targeting countries that buy Russian oil if the Kremlin did not move toward a settlement. —Samya Kullab, Arkansas Online, 10 Aug. 2025

In Ghana, the pay-TV group increased the subscription fees by 15% in April with little notice, prompting the communications minister, Samuel George, to give MultiChoice an ultimatum to lower its rate by 30% by Aug. 7. —Thinus Ferreira, Variety, 8 Aug. 2025

At the Potsdam Conference in Germany, Truman and other world leaders issued an ultimatum to Japan: Surrender or suffer total destruction. —David Perlmutt, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2025

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