ultimatum — a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌʌltɪˈmeɪtəm/
Example Sentences
- Mom gave me an ultimatum: clean my room or no WiFi password for a week.
- The teacher's ultimatum was clear: submit the project by Friday or fail the course.
- My stomach issued an ultimatum: 'Feed me pizza or I'll keep growling during the exam.'
ultimatum
NOUN[/ˌʌltɪˈmeɪtəm/]
a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations
Final demand with serious consequences
The ultimatum's momentum shakes every stratum!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'ultimatum,' the neuter form of 'ultimatus' meaning 'last' or 'final,' derived from 'ultimus' (last, final). The word was adopted into English in the 17th century to describe a final demand in diplomatic negotiations.
Breakdown
ultim- (last, final) + -atum (neuter singular suffix) = ultimatum (final demand)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Mom gave me an ultimatum: clean my room or no WiFi password for a week.”
“The teacher's ultimatum was clear: submit the project by Friday or fail the course.”
“My stomach issued an ultimatum: 'Feed me pizza or I'll keep growling during the exam.'”
“The company gave workers an ultimatum to accept pay cuts or face layoffs.”
📚Related Words
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