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

When Veronica refused to take responsibility for the physical altercation between Isaac and Micah, which landed him in the hospital, he was faced with an ultimatum. —Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025

Ellen, however, is presented with an ultimatum that could mean saying goodbye to Brian forever. —Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Sep. 2025

All three nations gave Israel an ultimatum to meet certain conditions, including addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and securing a ceasefire; the recognition of Palestine is also a reflection that the pressure campaign failed. —semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2025

Since Starmer issued his ultimatum, Israel has moved to take control of Gaza City and expand Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and has repeated its opposition to a two-state solution. —Paula Newton, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 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