Ultimatum

Pronunciation: /ʌltəˈmeɪtəm/

Definitions of ultimatum

noun a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations

Example Sentences

A1 She gave her boyfriend an ultimatum: either he quit smoking or she would break up with him.

A2 The boss issued an ultimatum to the employees: improve their performance or face termination.

B1 The government issued an ultimatum to the rebels, demanding their surrender within 24 hours.

B2 The company's shareholders issued an ultimatum to the board of directors, demanding changes to the company's management.

C1 The union presented an ultimatum to the company, outlining their demands for higher wages and better working conditions.

C2 The president issued an ultimatum to the foreign government, warning of severe consequences if they did not comply with the terms of the agreement.

Examples of ultimatum in a Sentence

formal The company issued an ultimatum to the striking workers, demanding they return to work within 24 hours.

informal My parents gave me an ultimatum to either clean my room or lose my allowance.

slang If you don't finish your homework by tonight, I'm gonna drop the ultimatum and make you do it all tomorrow.

figurative The ultimatum from the rival gang was clear - leave the territory or face the consequences.

Grammatical Forms of ultimatum

• plural: ultimatums
• comparative: more ultimatum
• superlative: most ultimatum
• present tense: issue ultimatums
• future tense: will issue ultimatums
• perfect tense: have issued ultimatums
• continuous tense: are issuing ultimatums
• singular: ultimatum
• positive degree: ultimatum
• infinitive: to issue ultimatums
• gerund: issuing ultimatums
• participle: issued ultimatums

Origin and Evolution of ultimatum

First Known Use: 1711 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'ultimatum' originated from Latin, specifically from the word 'ultimatum' which means 'final' or 'last'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of diplomacy, an ultimatum was a final set of terms presented by one party to another, with the implication that failure to agree would result in severe consequences. Over time, the word has come to be used in various contexts to refer to a final demand or statement of terms.