Definition

1. Adjective:
   • In or of the month preceding the current one: An abbreviation of the Latin word "ultimo," meaning "in the last month." It is used in formal or business correspondence to refer to a date in the previous month without repeating the month's name.

Usage

• The word "ult." is used exclusively in written English, particularly in formal letters, invoices, or legal documents, to refer to a date in the month immediately before the current one. It always follows the day of the month.
• It is considered somewhat old-fashioned but is still understood in specific professional contexts.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • We acknowledge receipt of your payment dated the 15th ult. (We acknowledge receipt of your payment dated the 15th of last month.)
  • Please refer to our invoice of the 3rd ult. (Please refer to our invoice from the 3rd of the previous month.)
  • The meeting was held on the 22nd ult. (The meeting was held on the 22nd of last month.)

Advanced Usage

• "inst." and "prox.": In the same formal style, "inst." (from Latin "instante mense," meaning "in the current month") and "prox." (from Latin "proximo mense," meaning "in the next month") were traditionally used alongside "ult." to denote dates in the current and following months, respectively. Their usage is now very rare.
  • Your order of the 5th inst. has been processed. (Your order of the 5th of this month has been processed.)
  • Payment is due on the 30th prox. (Payment is due on the 30th of next month.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ultimo (adj.): The full, unabbreviated Latin word from which "ult." is derived. It has the same meaning but is even less common in modern usage.

Synonyms

• Last month: The standard, modern English phrase.
• Of last month: A clear and unambiguous alternative.
• In the previous month: A more formal alternative.

Notes on Usage

• Style: Using "ult." is considered archaic or highly formal. In most modern business and personal communication, it is preferable to write the full date (e.g., "May 15th") or use phrases like "last month" for clarity.
• Clarity: Because "ult." relies on the reader knowing the current month, it can cause confusion if a letter is read much later. Writing the full date avoids this ambiguity.

Adjective

1. in or of the month preceding the present one
   • your letter received on the 29th ult