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ultimatum
IPA:
Dictionary definition of ultimatum
A final demand or proposal presented by one party to another, with a specified period of time for acceptance and consequences for rejection.
"The company gave the workers an ultimatum to accept the new contract or be terminated."
Detailed meaning of ultimatum
It is a final demand or statement of terms, given with the implication that if the terms are not accepted, further negotiations or discussions will be terminated. It is a strong and clear statement of what is expected, or a demand for action, with a clear warning that if the demand is not met, the relationship or situation will be ended or will change in a significant way.
In political and diplomatic contexts, an ultimatum is often issued by one country or group to another, outlining specific demands or actions that must be taken in order for a peaceful resolution to be reached, or to avoid a war or a crisis. In a business context, an ultimatum can be issued by an employer to an employee, a buyer to a seller or a client to a service provider, outlining specific demands or conditions that must be met in order to continue a business relationship.
In general, an ultimatum implies that the issuer of the ultimatum is willing to take drastic measures if their demands are not met, and it can signal the end of a negotiation or a relation if not accepted. It is a clear, direct and final statement of what is expected and what the consequences will be if the demands are not met.
Example sentences containing ultimatum
1. He gave me an ultimatum: either leave or face the consequences.
2. The manager's ultimatum pushed her to reconsider her decision.
3. Faced with the ultimatum, he had to make a choice.
4. The ultimatum forced them to finally confront their problems.
5. After years of conflict, the government issued an ultimatum.
6. She dreaded receiving his ultimatum, knowing it would be a decision she didn't want to make.
History and etymology of ultimatum
The noun 'ultimatum' draws its etymological origins from Latin and the concept of a final and decisive proposal. It stems from the Latin phrase 'ultimatum,' which is the neuter form of 'ultimatus,' the past participle of 'ultimare,' meaning 'to come to an end' or 'to conclude definitively.' This Latin term is derived from 'ultimus,' meaning 'the farthest' or 'the last.' Thus, the etymology of 'ultimatum' underscores its nature as a final and last resort, representing a definitive conclusion or decision. It conveys the idea that when an ultimatum is presented, there is no further negotiation or recourse, emphasizing the significance of the specified time frame and the consequences attached to its acceptance or rejection.
Further usage examples of ultimatum
1. The teacher gave the class an ultimatum: improve grades or lose privileges.
2. The ultimatum stood between them like a menacing threat.
3. He struggled to meet the deadlines of the ultimatum.
4. The ultimatum was clear: comply or face the consequences.
5. She delivered an ultimatum, hoping to spur him into action.
6. They were left stunned by the unexpected ultimatum.
7. The strike ended with an ultimatum from the company's CEO.
8. I refused to be cornered by his ultimatum.
9. The ultimatum marked a turning point in their relationship.
10. She didn't react well to the ultimatum, viewing it as a threat.
11. The peace negotiations concluded with an ultimatum.
12. His ultimatum was met with defiance and resistance.
13. He pondered the ultimatum, fully aware of its weight and significance.
14. They were left with no choice but to respond to the ultimatum.
15. The government issued an ultimatum to the rebel group to surrender or face consequences.
16. The ultimatum issued by the landlord was clear: pay the overdue rent or be evicted.
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Hurdles and Setbacks, Options and Determinations, Conflict and Disagreement, Decision and Discretion, Hostility and Dispute
command,decree,demand,dictate,edict,mandate,order,stipulation
condition,instruction,requirement
Synonyms for ultimatum
Quiz categories containing ultimatum
demand, offer, suggestion, proposal
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