last
last Lexical Profile
last Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Most recent in time; immediately preceding the present.
"We discussed the budget changes during our meeting last week."
Coming after all others in time, order, or sequence; final.
"December is the last month of the calendar year."
Only remaining; left after all others have been used, taken, or eliminated.
"She generously offered him the last slice of apple pie."
Least likely, suitable, or expected in a given situation.
"He is the last person I would expect to volunteer for public speaking."
• verb
To continue in time or remain in existence for a specified duration.
"The classical symphony performance is expected to last about two hours."
To remain in good condition or stay serviceable over a long period without deteriorating or wearing out.
"A well-maintained cast-iron skillet can easily last for generations."
To be adequate or sufficient in amount to meet someone's needs for a period of time (of a supply or resource).
"We packed enough fresh water and dried provisions to last us through the five-day hike."
• adverb
On the most recent occasion before the present.
"The historic comet was last visible from Earth seventy years ago."
After all others in order, sequence, or importance.
"Our team was called to present our findings last."
• pronoun
The person or thing that comes after all others in time, order, or sequence, or that remains after all others are gone.
"He was the last to arrive at the conference hall."
• noun
The final part, stage, or end of something, or the final mention or sight of a person or thing.
"They stayed at the concert until the very last of the encore."
A mechanical form or block shaped like a human foot, used by shoemakers and cobblers in making or repairing shoes.
"The cobbler stretched the damp leather tightly over the wooden last."
Word Nuance & Usage
Care should be taken to distinguish between 'last' (final in a sequence, or most recent before the present) and 'latest' (the most recent up to the present, with more expected to follow). Saying 'the author's last book' implies they will write no more, whereas 'latest book' means their newest release.
• Rhymes for last
Word Origin & Etymology
The adjective and adverb derive from Old English 'latost', the superlative form of 'læt' (slow, tardy). The verb comes from Old English 'læstan' (to continue, endure, or follow a track), while the shoemaking noun derives from Old English 'last' (footprint or track), both ultimately from the Proto-Germanic root '*laistaz' meaning track or footprint.