American English
/ˈəl.tə.mət̚/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Coming at the end of a series or process.
The last syllable is short and unstressed: “ultimate” is /ˈəɫ.tə.mət̚/. In natural speech, the final vowel may sound very close to a short /ɪ/.
Coming at the end of a series or process.
Our ultimate goal is to open a second store.
The ultimate decision belongs to the director.
ultimate goal · ultimate decision · ultimate destination · ultimate outcome
the ultimate + noun
ultimate + noun
The greatest, best, or most extreme possible.
This is the ultimate guide to American cooking.
They promised the ultimate travel experience.
In advertising, ultimate often means “the best possible,” not only “the final one.”
ultimate luxury · ultimate experience · ultimate challenge · ultimate sacrifice
the ultimate + noun
ultimate in + noun
Most important or basic, after all other causes or reasons are considered.
The ultimate cause of the problem was poor planning.
Parents have ultimate responsibility for their children’s safety.
ultimate cause · ultimate responsibility · ultimate authority · ultimate purpose
the ultimate + noun
the ultimate reason for + noun
The best or most impressive example of something.
For many fans, this car is the ultimate.
The resort offers the ultimate in comfort.
the ultimate in comfort · the ultimate in luxury
the ultimate in + noun
be the ultimate
the final or most important aim
Her ultimate goal is to become a doctor.
the highest level of a quality or type of thing
The hotel offers the ultimate in comfort.