Words / B2

ULT-im-uh-t/ˈʌltɪmət/

Ultimate means final, or the most extreme or best of its kind: the ultimate decision; the ultimate goal; the ultimate insult. Ultimately is already in the dictionary as the adverb. Final is close; best is everyday for the “greatest” sense. Do not use ultimate in every advert (ultimate experience). Legal: ultimate responsibility.

Meaning

Final, or the best or most extreme of its kind.

Examples

• “The ultimate decision rests with the exam board, not the school.”
• “Cost was the ultimate barrier, which is the “final / most important” sense.”

Good to know

the ultimate + noun (final or greatest). Adverb: ultimately (already in the dictionary). Close: final. Ad-speak overuse. Law: ultimate responsibility.

Near in meaning

final

New