noun

ultimatum

uhl-tih-MAY-tuhm

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

ultimatums plural, ultimata plural

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

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

Tatum