happening at the end of a long process 最后的；最终的；终极的 our ultimate goal/aim/objective/target 我们最终的目的／目标 We will accept ultimate responsibility for whatever happens. 无论出什么事情，我们愿承担全部责任。 The ultimate decision lies with the parents. 最后的决定权握在父母手中。
Extra ExamplesThe ultimate fate of the captured troops is unknown. 没有人知道被俘部队的最终命运。 War is the ultimate failure of public communication. 战争是政府沟通最终失败的结果。
most extreme; best, worst, greatest, most important, etc. 极端的；最好（或坏、伟大、重要等）的 This race will be the ultimate test of your skill. 这次竞赛将是对你的技能的最大考验。 Silk sheets are the ultimate luxury. 丝绸床单是顶级奢侈品。 Nuclear weapons are the ultimate deterrent. 核武器是终极的威慑力量。
from which something originally comes 根本的；基本的；基础性的 the ultimate truths of philosophy and science 哲学与科学的终极原理 We could not trace the ultimate source of the rumours. 我们不可能查出这些谣言的最初源头。
Word Originmid 17th cent.: from late Latin ultimatus, past participle of ultimare ‘come to an end’.