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

Which is just as well, because earlier this month Sam made the ultimate relationship faux pas.

Read more on BBC

The power of the Dodgers’ money was on full display in the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, the ultimate David vs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Considering Buffett owns roughly 37% of Berkshire’s common shares outstanding, and Berkshire’s market capitalization as of Tuesday’s close was $1.06 trillion, a little overvaluation isn’t so bad for the ultimate value investor.

Read more on MarketWatch

The long-planned drill, which involves no live nuclear bombs, is routine practice for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to ensure it is ready to use its ultimate weapon if necessary.

Read more on Barron's

Jurors in Plumb's trial at Chelmsford Crown Court heard his "ultimate fantasy" was to ambush Ms Willoughby at her home and bring sexualised violence against her at a "dungeon"-type room.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• preeminent 
• transcendent 
• utmost