ultimate

ul|ti|mate1 [ `ʌltımət ] adjective only before noun **

1. ) happening at the end of a process or activity: EVENTUAL:

The incident affected the ultimate outcome of the war.

ultimate goal/aim/objective: Independence remains their ultimate political goal.

2. ) as good or as bad as possible:

They suffered the ultimate humiliation of defeat by their oldest enemies.

The house provides the ultimate luxury retreat.

a ) used about something that is better, more extreme, or more important than all others:

The threat of strike action was their ultimate weapon in talks with management.

3. ) if you have something such as ultimate power or responsibility, you have more power or responsibility than anyone else:

The ultimate decision must be made by the Police Commissioner himself.

Parents must have ultimate responsibility for their children's safety.

4. ) relating to the origins or basic form of something: FUNDAMENTAL

make the ultimate sacrifice or pay the ultimate price

to die fighting for something or trying to achieve something

ultimate

ul|ti|mate 2 [ `ʌltımət ] noun

the ultimate in something

the best or most perfect example of something:

The train still represents the ultimate in luxury travel.