/ ˈʌltɪmət; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective [ only before noun ]
1.
happening at the end of a long process
SYN final :
our ultimate goal / aim / objective / target
We will accept ultimate responsibility for whatever happens.
The ultimate decision lies with the parents.
2.
most extreme; best, worst, greatest, most important, etc. :
This race will be the ultimate test of your skill.
Silk sheets are the ultimate luxury.
3.
from which sth originally comes
SYN basic , fundamental :
the ultimate truths of philosophy and science
■ noun
[ sing. ] the ~ in sth ( informal ) the best, most advanced, greatest, etc. of its kind :
the ultimate in modern design
••
WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from late Latin ultimatus , past participle of ultimare come to an end.