WordGarden.ioultimatum
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌʌltɪmˈeɪtəm/
US
- /ˌəltəˈmeɪtəm/
Meanings
Noun
a final demand that threatens serious consequences if it is refused
a final demand issued by one government to another, often backed by threat of force
Beyond the definition
An ultimatum is like drawing a line in the sand: a final, non-negotiable demand. It's not just a request; it's a "do this or else" situation. Think of a pirate captain shouting to a ship, "Surrender your treasure or face our cannons!" The idea is the same: a clear demand with a clear consequence if it is refused. These often appear in tense situations like negotiations, conflicts, or personal relationships when someone feels they have reached their limit. They carry weight because they show that further discussion may be over unless the terms are accepted.
An ultimatum is a final demand or warning made with the understanding that if it is not accepted, there will be serious consequences. It is more than just a strong request; it is a "take-it-or-leave-it" position where refusal will lead to action. The word itself comes from the Latin ultimus, meaning "last."
Historically, ultimatums were frequently used in diplomacy and warfare. A country might issue an ultimatum to another before declaring war – demanding things like territorial concessions or apologies for perceived offenses. For example, Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia in 1914, which is widely considered a key trigger of World War I.
However, ultimatums are not limited to international relations. They can appear in everyday life too, especially when someone wants to force a clear decision. A parent might tell a child, "Clean your room or you'll lose screen time." A worker might tell a boss, "Give me a raise or I quit."
The effectiveness of an ultimatum depends on several factors, including whether the threat is believable and whether the other side is willing to accept the consequences. Issuing an empty ultimatum - one you are not prepared to follow through on - can damage your credibility. A well-timed ultimatum, however, can force a decision, though it often comes at the cost of strained relationships or greater conflict.
So, whether in politics, personal life, or even a game of chess, an ultimatum is a final push: one last demand backed by serious consequences.
Examples
- 1
Relationship
His wife gave him an ultimatum: stop gambling or move out.
- 2
Workplace dispute
Management issued an ultimatum to the striking workers, demanding that they return by Monday.
- Patternissue an ultimatum
formally announce one
- 3
Political conflict
The rebels ignored the government's ultimatum to surrender.
- Patternan ultimatum to do X
a final demand that someone do X
- 4
Negotiation pressure
When he said, "Agree today or the deal is off," it stopped sounding like a negotiation and started sounding like an ultimatum.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Conflict avoidance
She doesn't respond well to ultimatums, so we tried to solve the problem calmly.
See also
Similar
- final demand
- nonnegotiable demand
- last warning
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- issue an ultimatum
- give someone an ultimatum
- meet an ultimatum
- reject an ultimatum
Explore
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- ultimatumnoun
Forms
- ultimatumspluralnoun
- ultimatapluralnoun