B2adjective1K

Ultimate

UK /["/ˈʌltɪmət/"]/US /["/ˈʌltɪmət/"]/

Definition

happening at the end of a long process

In simple words: the best or most extreme version of something

Examples

  • our **ultimate goal/aim/objective/target**
  • We will accept ultimate responsibility for whatever happens.
  • The ultimate decision lies with the parents.
  • The ultimate fate of the captured troops is unknown.
  • War is the ultimate failure of public communication.
  • This race will be the ultimate test of your skill.
  • Silk sheets are the ultimate luxury.
  • Nuclear weapons are the ultimate deterrent.
  • the ultimate truths of philosophy and science
  • We could not trace the ultimate source of the rumours.

Usage notes

Used to express the highest quality or extreme level. Often used in marketing to describe top products or experiences. Not suitable for formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'ultimate' as 'ultimate performance' - the final, best version like in a championship.

Collocations

  • ultimate goal
  • ultimate experience
  • ultimate challenge
  • ultimate decision
  • ultimate test

Synonyms

  • final
  • basic, fundamental

Antonyms

  • inferior
  • least
  • mediocre

Common mistakes

  • Mistakenly using in a literal context instead of as a descriptor for quality.
  • Confusing with 'penultimate' which means second to last.
  • Using 'ultimate' to modify nouns it doesn't apply to, like 'ultimate happiness' instead of 'ultimate goal'.