Definition

1. Noun:
   • A final, uncompromising demand or set of terms issued by one party to another, the rejection of which typically leads to serious consequences such as the end of negotiations or the start of hostile action. An ultimatum represents the final statement of conditions that must be accepted.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The company issued an ultimatum to the striking workers: return by Monday or be fired.
  • The diplomat delivered his government's ultimatum, demanding the immediate withdrawal of troops.
  • She gave him an ultimatum: stop gambling or she would leave.

Advanced Usage

• "To deliver/present/issue an ultimatum": The standard phrasing for formally giving an ultimatum.
  • The general presented the enemy commander with an ultimatum to surrender.
• "A 24-hour/48-hour ultimatum": An ultimatum with a specified, and often very short, deadline.
  • The hackers sent a 48-hour ultimatum demanding a ransom payment.

Variants and Related Words

• Ultimate (adj): Being or happening at the end of a process; final. (e.g., )
• Ultimately (adv): Finally; in the end. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Final demand: A last, conclusive request.
• Last word: The final statement or terms in a dispute.
• Non-negotiable demand: A condition that cannot be discussed or altered.

Related Phrases

• "To back someone into a corner with an ultimatum": To force someone into a difficult position where they have very few choices.
  • By giving such a harsh ultimatum, they backed the negotiators into a corner.
• "An ultimatum is on the table": An ultimatum has been formally offered or proposed.
  • With the ultimatum on the table, war seemed inevitable.

Noun

1. a final peremptory demand