ultimate

[ uhl-tuh-mit ]

adjective

1. last; furthest or farthest; ending a process or series:

   the ultimate point in a journey; the ultimate style in hats.

   Synonyms: uttermost, extreme

2. maximum; decisive; conclusive:

   the ultimate authority; the ultimate weapon.

   Synonyms: supreme

3. highest; not subsidiary:

   ultimate goal in life.

4. basic; fundamental; representing a limit beyond which further progress, as in investigation or analysis, is impossible:

   the ultimate particle; ultimate principles.

5. final; total:

   the ultimate consequences; the ultimate cost of a project.

   Antonyms: first

6. not to be improved upon or surpassed; greatest; unsurpassed:

   the ultimate vacation spot; the ultimate stupidity.

noun

1. the final point; final result.
2. a fundamental fact or principle.
3. the best, greatest, or most extreme of its kind.

ultimate

/ ˈʌltɪmɪt /

adjective

1. conclusive in a series or process; last; final

   an ultimate question

2. the highest or most significant

   the ultimate goal

3. elemental, fundamental, basic, or essential
4. most extreme

   genocide is the ultimate abuse of human rights

5. final or total

   an ultimate cost of twenty million pounds

noun

1. the most significant, highest, furthest, or greatest thing

Derived Forms

• ˈultimateness, noun

Other Words From

• ulti·mate·ly adverb
• ulti·mate·ness noun
• sub·ulti·mate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ultimate¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Late Latin ultimātus (past participle of ultimāre “to come to an end”), equivalent to Latin ultim(us) “last, most distant” + -ātus past participle suffix; ultima, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ultimate¹

C17: from Late Latin ultimāre to come to an end, from Latin ultimus last, from ulter distant

Synonym Study

See last ¹.

Example Sentences

Of course, supportive housing — and just more housing writ large — is the ultimate solution to homelessness.

From Los Angeles Times

Being part of a groundbreaking show can seem heavy, but its ultimate aim is to entertain the young people watching.

From Los Angeles Times

Hegseth is the ultimate in cubic zirconia manhood.

From Salon

But, "political and partisan conflicts between the president and senators have at times produced dramatic fights over cabinet nominees and led to their ultimate withdrawal or rejection," the Senate's historical website notes.

From BBC

Regardless of the ultimate outcome of Gaetz’s bid to be attorney general, Trump has fired a warning shot across the bow of US government.

From BBC

Related Words

• preeminent
• transcendent
• utmost