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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The proposal comes just months after Watts seemingly issued Lepley an ultimatum. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 4 Nov. 2024 Parents who once delivered this ultimatum are now watching their gaming-savvy children ascend to executive positions, armed with skills that traditional leadership training couldn’t provide. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Israeli officials have been assuring their U.S. counterparts that Israel will act quickly to improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza following an ultimatum from the Biden administration, two Israeli officials tell Axios. Barak Ravid, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024 Between the lines: The Israeli letter was sent in response to an ultimatum laid out by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Oct. 13 regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Barak Ravid, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ultimatum 

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 21 Dec. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on ultimatum

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