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

Everything about this Nations League campaign has been geared towards the ultimate goal of reaching the 2026 World Cup.

From BBC

The ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, as Bellamy stated when he took the job in July.

From BBC

Presidents don't have the ultimate say in how the economy performs.

From Salon

The new "ultimate mix" will premiere on British radio stations on the morning of 25 November, the 40th anniversary of the original song being recorded.

From BBC

In his statement, Mr. Perez said he accepted “ultimate responsibility” for his tax problems, while spreading blame to others.

From New York Times

Related Words

• preeminent
• transcendent
• utmost