What does last mean?
Last is a versatile word describing what comes at the end of a sequence, what is most recent, or what remains after everything else has been accounted for. As an adjective, it can identify the final item or the latest occurrence; as an adverb, it indicates that something happens after all others. The noun can refer to the end of a period, as in the phrase 'the last of the day,' or to a final attempt. As a verb, last commonly means to continue in existence or to remain in use. Although the word sometimes carries a poignant suggestion of endings, finality, or old age, it is also ordinary and neutral in everyday use. Its range of meanings makes it useful for discussing chronology, order, duration, and closure, while the related expression 'last but not least' emphasizes that an important item appears at the end.
At the end of a sequence or period; most recent in time; or the remaining member after all others have been removed or considered.
"The last chapter brought the story to a satisfying conclusion."
The phrase 'the last remaining' commonly combines the final and remaining senses.
After all other people, things, or events; at the most recent time; or in the final position.
"We spoke last at the conference."
The expression 'last of all' adds emphasis to the sense of final order.
The final person, thing, or occurrence in a sequence; the end of a period; or a final attempt.
"He stayed until the very last of the concert."
In the sense of a final attempt, the phrase 'take a last' is established usage.
To continue in existence or in use; or, less commonly, to be placed after all other people or things.
"The tradition has lasted for generations."
The passive construction 'he was last' is used for the sense of being placed at the end.
The plural is used for separate final occurrences, final attempts, or events that continue in existence.
"The device survived three lasts of the battery."
The word last can point backward in time or forward to the very end, making it a compact guide to both recency and finality.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does last come from?
The word comes from Old English last, meaning 'the final one' or 'the latest,' and related forms were used for a final period, a remainder, and footwear made on a last. Its Germanic relatives include Dutch laat and German letzt. The word also belongs to a family associated with Latin ultimus, 'farthest' or 'last,' which appears in cognates such as ultimate and ultimatum.
Related word forms
How last is actually used
As an adjective and adverb, last is standard in formal and informal English. In the sense 'the remaining one,' it often takes a singular noun, such as 'the last train.' As a verb, last usually means 'continue to exist' and is intransitive; the less common sense 'come after' is typically used in the passive.
Easily confused with last
Last usually means final or most recent, whereas late means arriving or occurring after the expected time.
The latter refers to the second of two things mentioned, while last refers to the final member of a sequence or the most recent occurrence.