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

Ten days before Christmas feels, to him, like an ultimatum. —Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025

The Gila River Indian Community, which holds a powerful water claim, issued an ultimatum that led to the release of the payments meant to support conservation efforts along the vital waterway. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025

Babcock issued her an agonizing ultimatum: either come up with the team now, or go down with Wilcox. —Cassidy Randall, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2025

Zimmer was fired by the Cubs early in ’91 after giving his Tribune Co. bosses an ultimatum on a contract extension. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 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