- 1happening or coming after all other similar things or people We caught the last bus home. It's the last house on the left. She was last to arrive.
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- 2[only before noun] most recent last night/Tuesday/month/summer/year her last book This last point is crucial. The last time I saw him was in May.
- 3[only before noun] only remaining synonym final This is our last bottle of water. He knew this was his last hope of winning. I wouldn't marry you if you were the last person on earth!
- 4used to emphasize that someone or something is the least likely or suitable The last thing she needed was more work. He's the last person I'd trust with a secret. Idioms
after a long time synonym finally At long last his prayers had been answered.
to be going to die or stop functioning very soon; to be very weak or in bad condition
every person or thing in a group; all of something I remember absolutely every last detail. She called upon every last ounce of her personal courage and determination.
the only remaining money They spent their last penny on that house, and it turned out to be a good investment.
people sometimes say Famous last words! when they think someone is being too confident about something that is going to happen “Everything's under control.” “Famous last words!” This phrase refers to a collection of quotations of the dying words of famous people.
early in the morning/late in the evening I need the report on my desk first thing Monday morning. I took the dog for a walk last thing before going to bed.
to be successful when you were not expected to be, making your opponents look stupid or silly
used to say what is most important after everything has been discussed or considered In the final analysis, it's a matter of personal choice.
the last moment of a person's life
the point at which you/something can no longer continue living, fighting, existing, etc. see last-gasp
the latest possible time before an important event They changed their plans at the last minute. Don't leave your decision to the last moment.
the person or thing you rely on when everything else has failed I've tried everyone else and now you're my last resort.
the last in a series of bad events, etc. that makes it impossible for you to accept a situation any longer
the most recent, fashionable, advanced, etc. thing These apartments are the last word in luxury.
the last comment or decision about something He always has to have the last word in any argument. I'm willing to wait one more week, and that's my final word on the subject.
the Monday, week, etc. just before the most recent one; two days, weeks, etc. ago I haven't seen him since the summer before last.
used to emphasize that something is true of all the people being described They answered “Yes,” to a man. They were all destroyed, to the last man.
Check pronunciation: last