ultimatum

[uhl-tuh-mey-tuhm, -mah-]

noun

plural

ultimatums, ultimata 

1. a final, uncompromising demand or set of terms issued by a party to a dispute, the rejection of which may lead to a severance of relations or to the use of force.

2. a final proposal or statement of conditions.

ultimatum

/ ˌʌltɪˈmeɪtəm /

noun

1. a final communication by a party, esp a government, setting forth conditions on which it insists, as during negotiations on some topic

2. any final or peremptory demand, offer, or proposal

ultimatum

1. A formal message delivered from one government to another threatening war if the receiving government fails to comply with conditions set forth in the message. For example, after the assassination of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand in 1914, the government of Austria sent an ultimatum to Serbia, which Austria held responsible for the assassination.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ultimatum¹

First recorded in 1725–35; from New Latin, noun use of neuter of Late Latin ultimātus “ended, finished,” past participle of ultimāre “to come to an end”; ultimate

Word History and Origins

Origin of ultimatum¹

C18: from New Latin, neuter of ultimatus _ultimate

Example Sentences

The corporate disgust that Paul cited was only aired after the chairman of the FCC — the government agency that has the power to approve or deny corporate mergers — issued his ultimatum.

From Salon

You use the word “ultimatum” in the first line of the first song on your new album.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Hamilton, deputy leader of the council, said it was disappointing - but not surprising - that the group had ignored the ultimatum to leave the site.

From BBC

It was the latest in a series of ultimatums and deadlines he has issued to the Russian leader, who has ignored them.

From BBC

The board must give him an ultimatum; improve quickly or you're off.

From BBC

Related Words

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