especially: one whose rejection will end negotiations and cause a resort to force or other direct action
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An ultimatum is usually issued by a stronger power to a weaker one, since it wouldn't carry much weight if the one giving the ultimatum couldn't back up its threat. Near the end of World War II, the Allied powers issued an ultimatum to Japan: surrender completely or face the consequences. Japan rejected the ultimatum, and within days the U.S. had dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing some 200,000 people.
She was given an ultimatum—work harder or lose her job. issued the ultimatum that the project be finished by the following week, or it would be terminated
Recent Examples on the WebHis charm offensive is halted, however, when Colm issues a macabre ultimatum that vaults a simple estrangement to the level of an eccentric two-man blood feud. Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 Sep. 2022 There’s a lot of pressure on head coach Steve Nash after how things have played out the last two seasons, including a recent ultimatum from Durant asking for Nash and general manager Sean Marks to be fired. Jason Patt, Forbes, 26 Aug. 2022 At a Senate committee hearing on June 14, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton sat before federal lawmakers and delivered a grave ultimatum on the Colorado River. Zak Podmore, The Salt Lake Tribune, 17 Aug. 2022 Ukraine ignored a Russian ultimatum to surrender the eastern city of Sievierodonetsk on Wednesday as NATO defence ministers gathered in Brussels to discuss sending more heavy weapons to replenish Kyiv’s dwindling stocks. Reuters, NBC News, 15 June 2022 The behind-the-scenes story of Jackie’s ultimatum to Onassis. Pat Myers, Washington Post, 19 May 2022 Durant reiterated his request for a trade and the ultimatum in a meeting with Nets owner Joe Tsai, who quickly tweeted his support for the front office and coaching staffs after details of the meeting became public in a report in The Athletic. Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2022 His championship guarantee now feels more like an ultimatum. Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2022 Meanwhile, Lindy relays the ultimatum that Miguel gave her while chatting with Justin and Alexis. Alexis Jones, Peoplemag, 3 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Medieval Latin, neuter of ultimatus final