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Definition of ultimatum

ultimatum

/ˌʌltɪˈmeɪtəm/
ul · ti · ma · tum
Plural:ultimatums
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ultimatum Lexical Profile

ultimatum Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation, a breakdown in relations, or the end of negotiations.

Example

"The labor union issued an ultimatum to management, warning that a strike would begin on Monday if safety standards were not met."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ultimatum
Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Both 'ultimatums' and 'ultimata' are acceptable plural forms, though 'ultimatums' is significantly more common in modern general usage.

• Rhymes for ultimatum

• Nearby Words

ulterior
ultimate
ultimately
ultimatum
ultra
ultrabright
ultracareful

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-18th century from Medieval Latin ultimatum, the neuter past participle of ultimare ('to come to an end'), derived from Latin ultimus ('last').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ultimatum. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ultimatum
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