ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ultra

adj. · n.
US //ˈəɫtɹə// UK //ˈʌltɹɐ// ul·tra
  1. 1 extreme (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    extreme or going far beyond what is normal.

    going beyond the usual limit; extreme or uncompromising in nature.

    Example

    The group holds ultra-conservative views that many people find too extreme.

    Example

    His ultra-radical approach to corporate restructuring alienated the more traditional members of the board, leading to a public dispute.
  2. 2 an extremist (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a person who has very extreme political or social opinions.

    an extremist, especially in a political context; one who advocates for uncompromising or radical policies.

    Example

    The political party was split between the moderates and the ultras.

    Example

    The government faced significant pressure from the party's ultras, who refused to accept any compromise on the proposed tax reforms.
  3. 3 dedicated sports fan (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    a very passionate and organised football fan who often uses flags and fireworks at games.

    a highly organised and fanatical football supporter, often associated with elaborate displays and intense loyalty.

    Example

    The ultras stayed in the stadium long after the game to cheer for their team.

    Example

    The club was fined after a group of ultras set off flares during the championship match, violating safety regulations.
  4. 4 ultramarathon (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Sport

    a race that is longer than a normal marathon.

    an ultramarathon; any footrace longer than the traditional marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres.

    Example

    She is training for her first hundred-mile ultra in the mountains.

    Example

    Completing a mountain ultra requires not only physical stamina but also immense mental resilience to cope with the extreme elevation changes.
    • endurance race
Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂el- Latin ūls Proto-Indo-European *-teros? Latin -ter Old Latin -ād Latin -ā Latin ultrābor. English ultra From Latin ultra.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 19, 2026