ultimate

[uhl-tuh-mit]

adjective

1. last; furthest or farthest; ending a process or series.

   the ultimate point in a journey; the ultimate style in hats.

   Synonyms: uttermost, extreme

2. maximum; decisive; conclusive.

   the ultimate authority; the ultimate weapon.

   Synonyms: supreme

3. highest; not subsidiary.

   ultimate goal in life.

4. basic; fundamental; representing a limit beyond which further progress, as in investigation or analysis, is impossible.

   the ultimate particle; ultimate principles.

5. final; total.

   the ultimate consequences; the ultimate cost of a project.

   Antonyms: first

6. not to be improved upon or surpassed; greatest; unsurpassed.

   the ultimate vacation spot; the ultimate stupidity.

noun

1. the final point; final result.

2. a fundamental fact or principle.

3. the best, greatest, or most extreme of its kind.

ultimate

/ ˈʌltɪmɪt /

adjective

1. conclusive in a series or process; last; final

   an ultimate question

2. the highest or most significant

   the ultimate goal

3. elemental, fundamental, basic, or essential

4. most extreme

   genocide is the ultimate abuse of human rights

5. final or total

   an ultimate cost of twenty million pounds

noun

1. the most significant, highest, furthest, or greatest thing

Other Word Forms

• ultimately adverb
• ultimateness noun
• subultimate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ultimate¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Late Latin ultimātus (past participle of ultimāre “to come to an end”), equivalent to Latin ultim(us) “last, most distant” + -ātus past participle suffix; ultima, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ultimate¹

C17: from Late Latin ultimāre to come to an end, from Latin ultimus last, from ulter distant

Synonym Study

See last ¹.

Example Sentences

“He is the ultimate foodie, amazing chef. He really knows what he’s talking about and I don’t know anything.”

From Los Angeles Times

The ultimate number of majority-Black districts in Louisiana is not only a question of constitutional principles applied to prevailing facts.

From Salon

Suddenly, an Ali-Frazier III, the ultimate rubber match, was back on the board.

From Los Angeles Times

Professional golfers are the ultimate sporting individuals - their own bosses week in, week out.

From BBC

Repeating as World Series champions, and overcoming all the hangover effects that have followed them to this point, remains the ultimate challenge.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• preeminent 
• transcendent 
• utmost