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ultimately

adverb
SayUL-ti-mit-leeUS/ˈʌl.tɪ.mɪt.li/UK/ˈʌl.tɪ.mɪt.lɪ/AUS/ˈɐl.tɪ.mɪt.li/

2 meanings of ultimately

Practice

  1. 1
    in the endadverb
    In the end, after everything else has happened.

    Like the final whistle that ends a long game.

    We tried several routes, but ultimately we took the highway.

    Ultimately, the team decided to cancel the trip.

    UsageOften at the start: Ultimately, we took the highway.

    Note
  2. 2
    most importantlyadverb
    Used to point to the most important fact or choice, the one that matters most.

    Like the one rule that beats all the smaller rules.

    Ultimately, it's your decision to make.

    The price matters, but ultimately the safety of the workers comes first.

    UsageOften first in a sentence: Ultimately, it's your choice.

    Similarbasically, essentially, fundamentally

    Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from the word "ultimate" plus the ending "-ly".

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 1 fact