last
Adjective
UK/lɑːst/US/læst/
Coming after all others in order or sequence; final.
Example Sentences
He saved the best part of the story for the last moment.
The last entry in her journal was dated three years ago.
During the race, she made a surprising surge in the last stretch of the track.
I hope this will be the last time we have to revise our plan.
The last page of the book revealed the unexpected plot twist.
He insisted on finishing every task to ensure no loose ends were left for the last minute.
Her speech was scheduled for the last slot of the conference, ensuring that she closed the event with a memorable talk.
Without warning, they changed the itinerary at the very last second, causing everyone to scramble to adjust their travel plans.
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Noun
UK/lɑːst/US/læst/
The final person, item, or thing in a sequence or group.
Example Sentences
He was the last to leave the party, locking the door behind him.
She volunteered to be the last to present, hoping to learn from the others’ mistakes.
The last of the cookies disappeared from the plate while no one was looking.
In the lineup, he was the last, but that didn’t stop him from giving his best effort.
The last she remembered from the meeting was the director’s stern warning.
They breathed a sigh of relief after the last of the luggage arrived safely on the carousel.
His signature was the last required on the agreement, finalizing the deal that took months to negotiate.
The teacher read the names from the attendance list until she called out the last, who happened to be the student council representative.
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Adverb
UK/lɑːst/US/læst/
Most recently; on the most recent occasion; after all others in time or order.
Example Sentences
When did you last visit your grandparents?
She finally found her passport where she had last placed it.
They announced a new policy that had been discussed last among the board members.
This restaurant is even better than the one we tried last when we visited the city.
He couldn’t remember the last he had seen such a breathtaking sunset.
She wore the same outfit she had worn last for her cousin’s wedding.
The phone conversation went on much longer than the last, as they had years of stories to catch up on.
He performed far better in this competition than when he last participated, showing significant improvement and confidence.
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Verb
UK/lɑːst/US/læst/
To continue for a specified period of time; to endure or remain in good condition.
Example Sentences
A good pair of shoes should last for several years with proper care.
He expected the meeting to last about an hour, but it ran longer than planned.
These supplies are meant to last us through the winter months.
No one knew how long the festival would last, but people hoped it would extend for a few extra days.
This battery can last up to 12 hours on a single charge.
If the weather holds, the outdoor reception can last into the late evening without concern.
Despite many hardships, their friendship managed to last through countless trials, proving its strength and authenticity over time.
Though it seemed a risky venture, the board hoped the initial investment would last long enough to see the project yield substantial returns.
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How to Use
Indicates the final in a sequence or the act of enduring.“Last” works as both an adjective and a verb, conveying two main ideas. First, when used as an adjective, it signals something final or concluding. You might say, “This is our last chance,” showing there are no more opportunities beyond this one. In a sequence, “last” clarifies finality: “She read the last chapter of the book,” making it clear that no subsequent chapters remain.Second, as a verb, “last” means to continue existing, functioning, or persisting over a period. For example, “These batteries should last for eight hours,” implies they will endure that long before running out of charge. Similarly, “The meeting lasted all afternoon,” conveys the meeting’s duration. Verb usage emphasizes how long something remains active or in effect.You can pair “last” with adverbs or objects to specify how long or under what conditions something endures. For instance, “This coat will last a lifetime if you take good care of it,” highlights that with proper maintenance, the coat remains in good condition. In everyday instruction, you might say, “Make sure your phone battery lasts through the day,” directing someone to preserve its remaining power.When writing or speaking, ensure context clarifies whether “last” is describing something final (“the last bus”) or an ongoing period (“the session will last three hours”). This distinction keeps your message precise. While simple in form, “last” can carry powerful meaning—whether underlining the end of a sequence or pointing out sustained endurance over time. Used thoughtfully, it helps convey both closure and persistence.
Alternatives
Several synonyms capture aspects of “last,” depending on its function. If you need a synonym for the adjective form—indicating something final—“ultimate,” “final,” or “concluding” may work. “Ultimate” often conveys a sense of utmost significance, while “final” is a straightforward substitution that preserves the idea of coming at the end. “Concluding” appears often in formal or academic writing when referencing a closing argument, event, or chapter.When emphasizing endurance or duration in verb form, “endure,” “persist,” and “continue” can function as replacements. “Endure” spotlights surviving challenging conditions: “The old structure has endured centuries of storms.” “Persist” can suggest resilience over an obstacle, such as “Her commitment persisted through difficulties.” “Continue” is a broader term, indicating something doesn’t stop or cease: “Their debate continued for hours.”Context guides your choice: if you want to highlight that an experience reaches its absolute end, “final” or “ultimate” is apt. For a sense of longevity, “endure” might be more expressive, especially if implying hardship. In more casual contexts, “go on,” as in “The show went on for hours,” captures the notion of time passing. Regardless of the chosen synonym, consider whether you are referencing a concluding point or a measure of duration. By matching your word choice to the nuance—be it closure or perseverance—you’ll communicate more precisely and effectively. That allows your audience to grasp quickly whether you’re referring to the end of a sequence or a steadfast, lengthy process.
Writing
When writing about “last,” identify clearly whether you’re describing finality or endurance. In narrative or literary contexts, “last” as an adjective often signals dramatic stakes or emotional closure. For example, describing “his last journey” can evoke a sense of final departure or irrevocable change, guiding the reader’s focus to the gravity of the moment.If you’re using “last” as a verb, it typically underscores how long something continues. This can be a pragmatic detail in nonfiction—for instance, “The test will last three hours”—or a more evocative note in fiction, such as “Her faith lasted through every hardship.” In either scenario, specifying the duration or conditions helps readers visualize the timeline.Variety in syntax can prevent monotony. Instead of repeating “last” as an adjective, weave in synonyms like “final,” “concluding,” or “ultimate.” Similarly, for the verb form, you might use “endure” or “continue” in alternate clauses or sentences. This maintains a fresh, engaging rhythm. If you lean heavily on “last,” ensure each usage is purposeful: does it highlight an ending, or does it show how something persists?In formal or academic writing, define your meaning precisely. If you’re discussing timelines or deadlines—“Our budget meeting will last until noon”—the clarity of duration can be crucial. If you’re finalizing a point in an argument or paper—“As a last consideration, we must examine cost”—make it obvious this marks a conclusive section. Balancing the brevity and directness of “last” with supporting context ensures your readers grasp when something ends, how long it exists, or both. In doing so, your writing effectively conveys closure and continuity as needed, shaping a clear, coherent flow of ideas.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, “last” is a quick way to mention something’s end or how long it continues. You might say, “I missed the last bus,” highlighting that no more buses are coming. Or you could remark, “The party lasted until midnight,” telling people how long it continued. These everyday uses prevent confusion about whether an event is finished or ongoing.When planning meetups, you might ask, “How long will the movie last?” to figure out whether you have time afterward for dinner. If someone is referencing final opportunities—“This is my last chance to see the exhibit”—it underscores that they won’t get another shot once the exhibit closes. You might also use “last” to discuss everyday durability, like “These shoes won’t last another month,” implying they’re close to wearing out.In casual speech, “last” can carry a sense of urgency or slight drama when talking about concluding things—“Don’t miss out on the last slice of pizza!” Alternatively, it can be lighthearted: “Our conversation lasted way longer than expected, but it was fun!” That adaptability means you can smoothly integrate “last” into everything from quick morning chats to group text messages, whether you’re marking deadlines, describing a show’s runtime, or sharing how an evening get-together went. Combined with context—like who you’re talking to and what you’re referencing—“last” remains a simple but essential term for indicating either that something is final or that it continues for a certain duration before ending.
Etymology
The word “last” in English is deeply rooted in Germanic origins, tracing back to Old English “læst,” carrying the dual connotation of being final in a sequence and having minimal status or position. Over centuries, “last” preserved its association with an ending point, shaping how speakers reference the final step in a process. In Middle English, authors used “last” to mark endings, both literal—such as the final portion of a text—and figurative—like the conclusion of a phase or a life.Meanwhile, the usage of “last” as a verb, implying endurance, evolved in tandem with broader developments in English’s lexical scope. As commerce and social interactions grew more complex, referencing how long something remained viable or continued in effect became increasingly relevant. The verb sense of “last” allowed speakers to communicate whether an event stretched over minutes, hours, or days, forming part of everyday life descriptions.During the Renaissance and beyond, literature and religious texts frequently employed “last” to discuss epilogues, ends of eras, and moral statements about finality (“the last judgment,” for instance). Over time, “last” solidified its place in modern English as both a sturdy linguistic marker of something ultimate and a versatile verb denoting duration. Today, whether you’re talking about the end of a list, the final chance to act, or how long a product will hold out, “last” remains a bedrock term linking the concept of final positions with the notion of continuing through a set period.
