Ultimatum
/ʌltɪˈmeɪtəm/
Definitions
A final proposition, condition, or demand, as of terms, offered for acceptance or rejection, and especially one backed up by a threat of some kind.
/ʌltɪˈmeɪtəm/
A final demand or statement of terms.
The rebels issued the government an ultimatum demanding the immediate release of their leader.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to get your friend to clean their room. You say, 'Clean your room by tonight, or you're grounded!' That's an ultimatum! It's a final demand with a consequence if they don't do it.
👶 For kids: It's like a final warning. If you don't do what someone wants, something bad will happen.
More Examples
The bank sent the overdue borrower an ultimatum: pay up or face foreclosure.
The committee presented its findings and gave the management an ultimatum to address the issues.
He gave her an ultimatum: marry him or leave him.
How It's Used
"The country issued an ultimatum to its neighbor, demanding the release of political prisoners."
"The company gave its competitor an ultimatum: either cease the patent infringement or face legal action."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
give someone an ultimatum
To present someone with a final set of conditions or demands.
"The union gave the company an ultimatum: either improve working conditions or face a strike."
From Latin, meaning "the last thing", the neuter form of "ultimatus", past participle of "ultimare" (to come to an end), from "ultimus" (last). Its usage developed in diplomatic and legal contexts.
Used in political and diplomatic contexts since the 19th century, often signaling the escalation of international tensions.
Memory tip
Think of the "ultimate" condition—it's the final offer, take it or leave it!
Word Origin
"the last thing, the final"