# ultimate

/ˈəɫtəmət/ (US) · /ˈʌltɪmət/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ultimate
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. best or most extreme

adjective · CEFR B2

the best, greatest, or most extreme example of something.

For teachers: representing the maximum possible degree or the finest example of a particular quality.

- For many climbers, reaching the top of Mount Everest is the ultimate challenge.
- The luxury sedan was marketed as the ultimate driving machine, combining unparalleled comfort with cutting-edge performance technology.

### 2. final in a series

adjective · CEFR B2

the last or final part of a long process or series of events.

For teachers: occurring at the end of a process, series, or progression; final.

- The ultimate goal of the project is to provide clean water to the whole village.
- While the immediate effects were positive, the ultimate consequences of the policy change would not be understood for several decades.

### 3. fundamental

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

the most basic or important part of something that cannot be broken down further.

For teachers: representing the most fundamental or elemental constituent of a system or concept.

- Scientists are searching for the ultimate building blocks of the universe.
- The philosopher argued that the ultimate reality of the world is far more complex than our senses suggest.

### 4. the best example

noun · CEFR B2

the best or most perfect example of something.

For teachers: the finest or most extreme example of a particular class or type.

- This hotel is the ultimate in luxury and comfort.
- To many critics, this symphony represents the ultimate in Romantic musical expression.

### 5. the sport

noun · CEFR B2

a team sport played with a flying disc (Frisbee).

For teachers: a non-contact team sport played with a flying disc, where points are scored by passing to a teammate in the opposing end zone.

- We meet at the park every Sunday afternoon to play ultimate.
- Ultimate has gained significant popularity on university campuses due to its emphasis on fair play and self-refereeing.

Usage: Usually used as an uncountable noun without an article.

## Examples

- This luxury car is the ultimate in comfort.
- For many mountain climbers, reaching the summit of Everest represents the ultimate in personal achievement.
- The designer's latest collection is considered by critics to be the ultimate in minimalist fashion, stripping away every unnecessary detail to reveal the garment's core structure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.