Meaning & use

ultimatum

noun·Academic

A final demand or statement of terms, whose rejection will result in a serious consequence or the end of negotiations.

See it in a sentence

The union gave management an ultimatum: raise wages or face a full strike.

She issued an ultimatum, telling him to change his behavior or she would leave.

A note on using this word

An ultimatum always includes a clear consequence for non-compliance; a simple request or demand without that threat isn't technically an ultimatum.

Words with a similar meaning

final demandthreat

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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