noun Uncommon

ultimatum

uhl-tih-MAY-tuhm

Ultimatum (noun) means a final demand or set of terms, often carrying a threat if not accepted by a deadline. Example: “The union gave management an ultimatum: raise wages or face a strike.”

noun

A final demand or set of terms, often carrying a threat if not accepted by a deadline.

"The union gave management an ultimatum: raise wages or face a strike."

"He issued an ultimatum: change your behaviour or leave."

How to use ultimatum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA final "take it or leave it" demand, often with a consequence attached.

Common pairings

issue an ultimatum give an ultimatum final ultimatum

Word forms

ultimatums plural, ultimata plural

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The union gave management an _____: raise wages or face a strike.

Etymology

From Latin "ultimatus", meaning "final" — from "ultimus", "last".

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for ultimatum

Tatum

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Frequently asked questions

What does “ultimatum” mean?

The word “ultimatum” means a final demand or set of terms, often carrying a threat if not accepted by a deadline. In plain terms, a final "take it or leave it" demand, often with a consequence attached.

How do you pronounce “ultimatum”?

“Ultimatum” is pronounced uhl-tih-MAY-tuhm (/ˌʌl.tɪˈmeɪ.təm/ in IPA).

How do you use “ultimatum” in a sentence?

Here is “ultimatum” used in a sentence: “The union gave management an ultimatum: raise wages or face a strike.”

What part of speech is “ultimatum”?

“Ultimatum” is a noun.

Where does the word “ultimatum” come from?

The word “ultimatum” comes from Latin. From Latin "ultimatus", meaning "final" — from "ultimus", "last".

Is “ultimatum” a common word?

“Ultimatum” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Words that end with M Words that start with U