ultimatum Definition
a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations.
Using ultimatum: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ultimatum" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The company issued an ultimatum to the striking workers.
Example
He gave her an ultimatum: either she quits her job or he leaves her.
Example
The government delivered an ultimatum to the rebels, demanding their surrender.
ultimatum Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for ultimatum
- demand
- requirement
- stipulation
- ultimacy
- condition
Phrases with ultimatum
Example
This is our final ultimatum. If you don't comply, we will take legal action.
Example
The country issued a nuclear ultimatum to its neighboring state, warning them against any military action.
an ultimatum that is delivered by one country to another in order to achieve a diplomatic goal
Example
The ambassador delivered a diplomatic ultimatum to the foreign minister, urging them to reconsider their stance on the trade agreement.
Origins of ultimatum
from New Latin 'ultimatum', meaning 'the last thing'
Summary: ultimatum in Brief
The term 'ultimatum' [ˌʌltɪˈmeɪtəm] refers to a final demand or statement of terms that, if rejected, will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations. It is often used in situations where one party wants to impose their will on another, as in 'He gave her an ultimatum: either she quits her job or he leaves her.' The term extends into phrases like 'final ultimatum,' 'nuclear ultimatum,' and 'diplomatic ultimatum,' each denoting a specific context.