coming at the very end of a series or process; final
Crossing the finish line was the ultimate moment of the marathon for her.
Passing the exam is the ultimate step before becoming a doctor.
✦ From Latin ultimus “farthest, last”.
being the best, greatest, or most extreme of its kind
For many gamers, this console is the ultimate machine.
They booked the ultimate luxury suite overlooking the ocean.
relating to the most basic or fundamental reason, fact, or level
Greed was the ultimate cause of the collapse.
Scientists search for the ultimate truth about the universe.
the best or most extreme example of something
For her, Paris in spring is the ultimate.
The hotel claims its spa is the ultimate in relaxation.
in the end, after everything else has been done, tried, or considered
After months of debate, the city council ultimately approved the new park plan.
No matter how hard the climb was, we ultimately reached the summit at sunset.
✦ From Latin ultimātus “last, final” + English adverbial suffix –ly.
used to emphasize the most basic or important truth, cause, or purpose
All economic decisions ultimately depend on supply and demand.
While there are many techniques, cooking is ultimately about balancing flavors.
✦ Same origin as Sense 1: from Latin ultimātus with adverbial –ly, later extended to mean “at the basic level.”
a fast-paced team sport played with a flying disc, officially called ultimate frisbee
Every Saturday, we play Ultimate in the park.
She joined the university Ultimate team.
✦ Shortened from the full name “ultimate frisbee,” first played in the late 1960s in the United States.
