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

• claim
• demand
• dun
• importunity
• requisition

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

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Medieval Latin, neuter of ultimatus final

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined above

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