ultimate
ultimate — adjective
1. used to describe the most extreme or significant example of something, whether i
used to describe the most extreme or significant example of something, whether in a positive or negative sense — for instance, the ultimate goal in life, the ultimate insult, or the ultimate weapon.
For Christopher, winning the gold medal was the ultimate achievement of his athletic career.
ultimate + noun for highest degree of success
The expedition faced its ultimate test when a blizzard trapped the climbers on the ridge.
Many parents say that protecting their children is the ultimate responsibility.
The luxury watch is considered the ultimate status symbol among collectors in Geneva.
文法句型
ultimate + noun
用法筆記
This sense covers situations where something is at the highest degree of a quality — it can describe the best (ultimate prize), the worst (ultimate nightmare), or the most significant (ultimate goal). Do not confuse with sense 2 (FINAL), which is purely about position in time or sequence.
常見錯誤
2. being the very last step in a lengthy series or sequence, with nothing coming af
being the very last step in a lengthy series or sequence, with nothing coming after it.
The ultimate decision about the merger rests with the board of directors.
ultimate + decision for the final outcome after consideration
After three rounds of talks, the committee's ultimate recommendation was to close the old factory.
The ultimate chapter of the novel reveals what happens to each character after the war.
Before the ultimate exam, Sumin reviewed every lesson from the whole semester.
- final
more common in everyday speech; 'final' can be used in more contexts than 'ultimate'
- last
simplest and most direct; less formal than 'ultimate'
- conclusive
emphasises that something settles a matter once and for all
文法句型
ultimate + noun
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (MOST EXTREME / IMPORTANT): this sense is strictly about sequence or timing — it answers the question 'which one comes last?' rather than 'how important/extreme is it?'.
ultimate — noun
1. the highest or lowest possible instance of a quality within a given group — whet
the highest or lowest possible instance of a quality within a given group — whether the finest, the worst, or the most intense — for example, the ultimate in luxury or the ultimate of fine dining.
The private island resort is considered the ultimate in luxury travel for wealthy guests.
the ultimate in + noun for the best example of a category
For Defne, that vintage sports car represents the ultimate of Italian engineering and design.
The chef's tasting menu was the ultimate of fine dining, with ten courses and wine.
This smartphone's camera system is widely regarded as the ultimate in mobile photography.
文法句型
the ultimate in + noun
the ultimate of + noun
用法筆記
Almost always used in the singular with 'the': 'the ultimate'. The pattern 'the ultimate in + [noun/gerund]' is very common (e.g., 'the ultimate in comfort').
常見錯誤
2. the abbreviated everyday label for the flying-disc team sport — used when talkin
the abbreviated everyday label for the flying-disc team sport — used when talking casually about the game, forming team names, or listing tournament results, rather than describing its rules.
Trang plays Ultimate every Saturday morning with a local club near the university.
play + Ultimate for the sport
The university's Ultimate team won the national championship after an undefeated season last spring.
A growing number of high schools now offer Ultimate as an after-school activity.
The coach taught the beginners the basic rules of Ultimate during the first practice session.
- Ultimate Frisbee
the full name of the sport; 'Frisbee' is a brand name
文法句型
play Ultimate
Ultimate team
用法筆記
This sense gives only the SHORTENED NAME of the sport. For the full description of the game — rules, equipment, and style of play — see noun sense 3 (ULTIMATE FRISBEE). When written, 'Ultimate' is often capitalised to distinguish it from the adjective meaning of the word. 'Frisbee' is a trademarked brand name, so the sport's governing body uses 'Ultimate' as the official name.
3. the team sport itself, played with a plastic flying disc (often called a Frisbee
the team sport itself, played with a plastic flying disc (often called a Frisbee), where two sides of seven players pass the disc down a field and try to catch it in the opposing end zone for a goal. Key rules: players may not run while holding the disc, and the game has no referees; players call their own fouls.
An Ultimate Frisbee field is the size of a football pitch, with seven per side.
describing the playing field and team size
A key rule: players cannot run while holding the disc; they must pivot and pass.
The coach said Ultimate Frisbee combines skills from soccer, basketball, and football.
The team practised throwing the disc accurately, which is essential in Ultimate Frisbee.
文法句型
play Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate Frisbee + noun
用法筆記
This sense describes the FULL GAME — its rules, equipment, and culture. For the everyday shortened label used in casual talk, team names, and tournament listings, see noun sense 2 (SPORT (SHORT FORM)). Both senses refer to the same activity; 'Ultimate Frisbee' is the full name while 'Ultimate' is the common short form.
ultimate — verb
1. to come to an end or reach a final point. This use of the word is now very rare
to come to an end or reach a final point. This use of the word is now very rare and is mostly found in older or literary English texts.
The old chronicle ultimates with the death of the king in the year 1066.
archaic intransitive use: ultimate with + event
The poet's final stanza ultimates in a single sorrowful word that echoes the whole theme.
The ancient text ultimates with a warning about the dangers of pride and ambition.
In medieval tales, the story often ultimates in a moral lesson for the reader.
- begin
the opposite action
文法句型
ultimate in + noun/gerund
ultimate with + noun
用法筆記
This verb form is considered obsolete in modern English. Learners will almost never encounter it outside of historical texts or poetry. The adjective and noun forms of 'ultimate' are the only ones actively used today.