last
/læst/
Reviewed on
Also an adverb, a noun, and a verb
Meaning
Coming after all others in time, order, or sequence.
She was the last person to leave the office before the storm hit.
Most recent or immediately preceding.
We reviewed the financial statements from last year to spot the discrepancies.
Collocations
- last minute
- last resort
- last straw
- last night
- last week
Idioms
last-ditch
a final, desperate effort before total failure
They made a last-ditch effort to save the contract before midnight.
last but not least
used to introduce the final item without diminishing its importance
And last but not least, I want to thank the maintenance crew.
Meaning
Most recently or on the occasion immediately prior.
When did you last see the missing documents on your desk?
After all others in order or position.
He finished last in the regional marathon despite months of training.
Collocations
- finish last
Meaning
The person, thing, or event that comes at the very end.
Save the best for last when you present the design options.
Collocations
- at long last
Meaning
To continue in time or remain usable for a specified duration.
The battery in this laptop will easily last through the entire flight.
To survive, endure, or manage to keep going under difficult conditions.
The rookie detective did not last long in the homicide division.
How it's used
When this means “continue for a duration”
- last for two hours
- last all day
The keynote lecture will last for two hours.
When this means “endure in a difficult role”
- last in the position
He could not last in that high-stress environment.
Collocations
- last a lifetime