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

Craig issues a final ultimatum to Austen to either swim in his pool or leave. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2025

An angry McGregor took to X and posted this ultimatum or threat. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Netanyahu reacted positively to Trump's latest ultimatum at the start of a meeting with his cabinet on Tuesday. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024

Biden and some congressional leaders argued that the ultimatum against TikTok was necessary because of security concerns about ByteDance and its connections to the Chinese government. —Steven Portnoy, ABC News, 27 Dec. 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