Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense lasts, present participle lasting, past tense, past participle lasted
1. determiner
You use last in expressions such as last Friday,last night, and last year to refer, for example, to the most recent Friday, night, or year.
I got married last July.
He never made it home at all last night.
It is not surprising they did so badly in last year's elections.
2. adjective
The last event, person, thing, or period of time is the most recent one.
Much has changed since my last visit.
At the last count inflation was 10.9 per cent.
I split up with my last boyfriend three years ago.
The last few weeks have been hectic.
Synonyms: most recent, latest, previous More Synonyms of last
Last is also a pronoun.
The next tide, it was announced, would be even higher than the last.
3. adverb [ADVERB with verb]
If something last happened on a particular occasion, that is the most recent occasion on which it happened.
When were you there last?
The house is a little more dilapidated than when I last saw it.
Hunting on the trust's 625,000 acres was last debated two years ago.
4. ordinal number
The last thing, person, event, or period of time is the one that happens or comes after all the others of the same kind.
This is his last chance as prime minister.
...the last three pages of the chapter.
She said it was the very last house on the road.
They didn't come last in their league.
Last is also a pronoun.
I'm not the first employee she has done this to and I probably won't be the last.
The trickiest bits are the last on the list.
5. adverb [ADVERB after verb]
If you do something last, you do it after everyone else does, or after you do everything else.
I testified last.
I was always picked last for the football team at school.
The foreground, nearest the viewer, is painted last.
Synonyms: in or at the end, after, behind, in the rear More Synonyms of last
6. pronoun
If you are thelastto do or know something, everyone else does or knows it before you.
She was the last to go to bed. [+ to-infinitive]
Riccardo and I are always the last to know what's going on. [+ to-infinitive]
7. adjective
Last is used to refer to the only thing, person, or part of something that remains.
Jed nodded, finishing off the last piece of pizza.
...the freeing of the last hostage.
Last is also a noun.
He finished off the last of the coffee. [+ of]
The last of the ten inmates gave themselves up after twenty eight hours. [+ of]
8. adjective
You use last before numbers to refer to a position that someone has reached in a competition after other competitors have been knocked out.
He reached the last four at Wimbledon.
...the only woman among the authors making it through to the last six.
9. adjective
You can use last to indicate that something is extremely undesirable or unlikely.
[emphasis]
The last thing I wanted to do was teach.
He would be the last person who would do such a thing.
Synonyms: least likely, most unlikely, most unsuitable, least suitable More Synonyms of last
Last is also a pronoun.
I would be the last to say that science has explained everything.
10. pronoun
The last you see of someone or the last you hear of them is the final time that you see them or talk to them.
She disappeared shouting, 'To the river, to the river!' And that was the last wesaw of her.
I had a feeling it would be the last I heard of him.
11. verb
If an event, situation, or problem lasts for a particular length of time, it continues to exist or happen for that lengthof time.
The marriage had lasted for less than two years. [VERB + for]
The games lasted only half the normal time. [VERB noun]
Enjoy it because it won't last. [VERB]
[Also V adv]
12. verb
If something lasts for a particular length of time, it continues to be able to be used for that time,for example because there is some of it left or because it is in good enough condition.
You only need a very small blob of glue, so one tube lasts for ages. [VERB + for]
The repaired sail lasted less than 24 hours. [VERB noun]
The implication is that this battery lasts twice as long as other batteries. [VERB adverb]
If you build more plastics into cars, the car lasts longer. [VERB adverb]
[Also VERB]
Synonyms: continue, keep, remain, survive More Synonyms of last
13. verb
You can use last in expressions such as last the game, last the course, and last the week, to indicate that someone manages to take part in an event or situation right to the end, especially when this is very difficult for them.
They wouldn't have lasted the full game. [VERB noun]
I almost lasted the two weeks. I only had a couple of days to do. [VERB noun]
To last out means the same as to last.
It'll be a miracle if the band lasts out the tour. [VERBPARTICLE noun (not pronoun)]
A breakfast will be served to those who last out till dawn! [VERBPARTICLE]
14. See also lasting
15.
See at last
16.
See the sb/sth before last
17.
See breathe one's last
18.
See last but one/last but three etc
19.
See every last
20.
See last in, first out
21.
See the last sb heard
22.
See leave sth until last
23.
See see the last of sb
24.
See to the last
25.
See to the last
26.
See to the last detail/to the last man
27. last breath
28. to have the last laugh
29. last minute
30. someone's last stand
31. the last straw
32. last thing
Phrasal verbs:
See last out
More Synonyms of last
last in British English1
(lɑːst)
adjective(often prenominal)
1.
being, happening, or coming at the end or after all others
the last horse in the race
2.
being or occurring just before the present; most recent
last Thursday
3. last but not least
4. last but one
5.
only remaining
one's last cigarette
6.
most extreme; utmost
7.
least suitable, appropriate, or likely
he was the last person I would have chosen
8. (esp relating to the end of a person's life or of the world)
a.
final or ultimate
last rites
b.
(capital)
the Last Judgment
9. (postpositive) Liverpool dialect
inferior, unpleasant, or contemptible
this ale is last
adverb
10.
after all others; at or in the end
he came last
11.
a.
most recently
he was last seen in the mountains
b.
(in combination)
last-mentioned
12. (sentence modifier)
as the last or latest item
noun
13. the last
14.
one's last moments before death
15.
the last thing a person can do (esp in the phrase breathe one's last)
16.
the final appearance, mention, or occurrence
we've seen the last of him
17. at last
18. at long last
▶ USAGE Since last can mean either after all others or most recent, it is better to avoid using this word where ambiguity might arise as in her last novel. Final or latest should be used in such contexts to avoid ambiguity
Word origin
variant of Old English latest, lætest, superlative of late
last in British English2
(lɑːst)
verb
1. (whenintr, often foll by for)
to remain in being (for a length of time); continue
his hatred lasted for several years
2.
to be sufficient for the needs of (a person) for (a length of time)
it will last us until Friday
3. (whenintr, often foll by for)
to remain fresh, uninjured, or unaltered (for a certain time or duration)
he lasted for three hours underground
Derived forms
laster (ˈlaster)
noun
Word origin
Old English lǣstan; related to Gothic laistjan to follow
last in British English3
(lɑːst)
noun
1.
the wooden or metal form on which a shoe or boot is fashioned or repaired
verb
2. (transitive)
to fit (a shoe or boot) on a last
Derived forms
laster (ˈlaster)
noun
Word origin
Old English lǣste, from lāst footprint; related to Old Norse leistr foot, Gothic laists
last in British English4
(lɑːst)
noun
a unit of weight or capacity having various values in different places and for different commodities. Commonly used values are 2 tons, 2000 pounds, 80 bushels, or 640 gallons
Word origin
Old English hlæst load; related to hladan to lade1
last in American English1
(læst; lɑst)
adjective
1. alt. superl. of
late
2.
being or coming after all others in place; farthest from the first; hindmost
3.
coming after all others in time; farthest from the beginning; latest
4.
only remaining
took the last chocolate in the box
5.
directly before the present
last month
6.
farthest from what is expected; least likely
would be the last person to suspect anything
7.
utmost; greatest
8.
coming after all others in importance; lowest in rank
9.
newest
the last thing in hats
10.
conclusive; authoritative
the last word in scientific research
11.
individual
used as an intensive
to spend every last cent
adverb
12. alt. superl. of
late
13.
after all others; at the end
14.
most recently
15.
finally; in conclusion
noun
16.
someone or something which comes last
the last of the kings
17.
the final or concluding part; end
friends to the last
Idioms:
at (long) last
see the last of
Word origin
ME laste, earlier latest, latst < OE latost, superl. of adj. læt, adv. late: see late
last in American English2
(læst; lɑst)
verb intransitive
1.
to remain in existence or operation; continue; go on; endure
2.
to remain in good condition; wear well
3.
to continue unconsumed, unspent, etc.
enough food to last for a month
verb transitive
4.
to continue or endure throughout
often with out
doubtful whether he can last (out) the training period
SIMILAR WORDS: conˈtinue
Derived forms
laster (ˈlaster)
noun
Word origin
ME lasten < OE læstan, akin to Ger leisten, vt., to perform, carry out, Goth laistjan, lit., to follow in the track of < IE base *leis-, a track, spoor > L lira, furrow (see learn): sense development: to follow — to go on, continue
last in American English3
(læst; lɑst)
noun
1.
a block or form shaped like a person's foot, on which shoes are made or repaired
verb transitive
2.
to form with a last
Idioms:
stick to one's last
Derived forms
laster (ˈlaster)
noun
Word origin
ME laste < OE læst, a boot, læste, shoemaker's last < base of last, footstep, track, furrow < same base as last2
More idioms containing
last
on its last legs
last gasp
have the last laugh
stick to your last
a last ditch attempt
the last chance saloon for someone
famous last words
Examples of 'last' in a sentence
last
Their marriage had lasted less than a year.
The Sun (2016)
We should have had one last week.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She disappeared a couple of hours after she was last seen alive.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
When we played there last year we had opportunities.
The Sun (2016)
The last four home games we had two wins and two draws.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Yet for him this may be his last chance of affection.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
In its simplest form this may just be by finding a play to use the last of your letters.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They moved to a house in Ealing last spring.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
If design was dead last week, is this the revival?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Once again last night, they were unconvincing.
The Sun (2016)
We went into the last week knowing less than nine points gave us no chance.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
They rounded the corner of the last house in the street and emerged into a small square.
Iain Gale Man of Honour (2007)
Then came the invitation to play golf one last time.
Christianity Today (2000)
It was so funny to see her twirling again last night.
The Sun (2010)
We were used to it last year.
The Sun (2014)
You mean something that lasts a long time can be interesting?
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
He was also the last person to say goodnight to me yesterday.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Last time we were a very happy team.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
This is probably your last chance at courtship.
Christina Dodd SOMEDAY MY PRINCE (1999)
When did you last hear of an unemployed solicitor?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Why is the ministry so often the last one to know what its personnel are doing?
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
He saw part of his wish come true last week.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
He is the last man to concede that it is flawed or failing as a concept.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Twenty years ago last week the educational landscape changed.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
City have lost three of their last four at home and fail too often against the top clubs.
The Sun (2006)
What did you earn last year?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
There were two summits taking place in Europe at the end of last week.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We got a heart-warming letter from our electricity provider last week.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
He was jeered by fans as recently as last month after a 1-0 defeat at home by Wigan.
The Sun (2012)
Quotations
Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be firstBible: St. Mark
In other languages
last
British English: last /lɑːst/ ADJECTIVE
previous The last thing is the one before this one.
In the last lesson, we looked at some flowers.
American English: last
Arabic: سَابِقٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: último
Chinese: 最后的
Croatian: zadnji
Czech: poslední
Danish: sidst
Dutch: laatst
European Spanish: último serie
Finnish: viimeinen
French: dernier
German: letzter
Greek: τελευταίος
Italian: ultimo
Japanese: 最後の
Korean: 마지막의
Norwegian: sist
Polish: ostatni
European Portuguese: último
Romanian: ultim
Russian: предыдущий
Latin American Spanish: último
Swedish: sist
Thai: สุดท้าย
Turkish: son
Ukrainian: попередній
Vietnamese: sau cùng
British English: last /lɑːst/ ADVERB
If something last happened on a particular occasion, that is the most recent occasion on which it happened.
When were you there last?
American English: last
Arabic: لِآخِرِ مَرَّةٍ
Brazilian Portuguese: da última vez
Chinese: 最后
Croatian: posljednji put
Czech: naposled
Danish: sidst
Dutch: als laatste
European Spanish: última vez
Finnish: viimeiseksi
French: dernièrement
German: zuletzt
Greek: τελικά
Italian: per ultimo
Japanese: 最後に
Korean: 가장 최근에
Norwegian: sist
Polish: ostatnio
European Portuguese: a última vez
Romanian: ultima dată
Russian: последний
Latin American Spanish: última vez
Swedish: sist
Thai: ล่าสุด
Turkish: sonda
Ukrainian: востаннє
Vietnamese: lần cuối cùng
British English: last /lɑːst/ VERB
If an event or situation lasts for a particular length of time, it continues for that length of time.
The meeting lasted for less than an hour.
The game lasted only half the normal time.
American English: last
Arabic: يَسْتَمِرُ
Brazilian Portuguese: durar
Chinese: 持续
Croatian: trajati
Czech: trvat čas
Danish: holde vare ved
Dutch: duren
European Spanish: durar
Finnish: kestää olla kestävä
French: durer
German: dauern
Greek: διαρκώ
Italian: durare
Japanese: 続く
Korean: 지속되다
Norwegian: vare
Polish: wytrwać
European Portuguese: durar
Romanian: a dura
Russian: длиться
Latin American Spanish: durar
Swedish: vara
Thai: ยืนหยัด
Turkish: sürmek
Ukrainian: тривати
Vietnamese: kéo dài
British English: last /lɑːst/ ADJECTIVE
coming after all others The last thing or person comes after all the others.
I read the last three pages of the chapter.
American English: last
Arabic: آخِر
Brazilian Portuguese: último
Chinese: 最后的
Croatian: posljednji
Czech: poslední
Danish: sidste
Dutch: laatste
European Spanish: último
Finnish: viimeinen
French: dernier
German: letzte
Greek: τελευταίος
Italian: ultimo
Japanese: 最後の
Korean: 마지막의
Norwegian: siste
Polish: ostatni
European Portuguese: último
Romanian: ultim
Russian: заключительный
Latin American Spanish: último
Swedish: sista
Thai: สุดท้าย
Turkish: son
Ukrainian: останній
Vietnamese: cuối cùng
All related terms of 'last'
late
Late means near the end of a day , week , year , or other period of time.
at last
If you say that something has happened at last or at long last you mean it has happened after you have been hoping for it for a long time.
last-born
(of a child) last to be born in a family
Last Day
→ the Last Day
last-gasp
You describe something as the last gasp to emphasize that it is the final part of something or happens at the last possible moment .
last name
→ surname
last out
to be sufficient for one's needs
last post
a bugle call that orders personnel to retire for sleep
last word
the final word or speech , regarded as settling the argument
the last
a person or thing that is last
every last
You use every last to emphasize that you are talking about all the people or things in a group or all the parts of something.
last breath
When someone takes their last breath , they die .
last-cyclic
denoting rules that apply only to main clauses
last ditch
A last-ditch action is done only because there are no other ways left to achieve something or to prevent something happening . It is often done without much hope that it will succeed .
last hurrah
Someone's last hurrah is the last occasion on which they do something, especially at the end of their career .
last-minute
A last-minute action is one that is done at the latest time possible.
last resort
the last possible course of action open to one
last rites
The last rites are a religious ceremony performed by a Christian priest for a dying person.
last sleep
death
last straw
the last of a sequence of annoyances or troubles that results in a breakdown , loss of patience , etc.
Last Supper
the last supper eaten by Jesus with his disciples before the Crucifixion , as related in the New Testament
last thing
as the final action, esp before retiring to bed at night
paddy last
the last person in a race or competition
trade-last
a compliment that one has heard about someone, which one offers to tell to that person in exchange for a compliment heard about oneself
last honours
observances of respect at a funeral
Last Judgment
the final judgment of humanity at the end of the world
last quarter
one of the four principal phases of the moon , occurring between full moon and new moon, when half the lighted surface is visible
at long last
finally , after difficulty, delay , or irritation
last but one
next to last
Last Judgement
In the Christian religion , the Last Judgement is the last day of the world when God will judge everyone who has died and decide whether they will go to Heaven or Hell .
last knockings
the final stage of a period or activity
the Last Day
the final and eternal judgement by God of all souls and nations
to the last
If you say that something goes on happening to the last , you mean that it happens throughout the whole of a book, film, or event.
first and last
on the whole; overall
the last laugh
the final success in an argument , situation, etc, after previous defeat
the last straw
If an event is the last straw or the straw that broke the camel's back , it is the latest in a series of unpleasant or undesirable events, and makes you feel that you cannot tolerate a situation any longer.
the last trump
the final trumpet call that according to the belief of some will awaken and raise the dead on the Day of Judgment
the last word
the closing remark of a conversation or argument, esp a remark that supposedly settles an issue
as a last resort
If you do something as a last resort , you do it because you can find no other way of getting out of a difficult situation or of solving a problem .
at the last gasp
at the point of death
breathe one's last
When someone breathes their last , they die.
famous last words
said to mean that it is quite possible that your claim that something will definitely happen in a certain way will be proved wrong
last chance saloon
a place frequented by unsavoury or contemptible people
last-minute change
If there is a change in something, it becomes different.
last-minute gift
A gift is something that you give someone as a present.
last resting place
a place where someone or something rests , esp ( last resting place ) the grave
one's last hour
the time of one's death
on its last legs
no longer as useful , successful , or strong as before, and about to fail altogether
see the last of
to see for the last time
the Last Judgment
the occasion , after the resurrection of the dead at the end of the world, when, according to biblical tradition , God will decree the final destinies of all people according to the good and evil in their earthly lives
Chinese translation of 'last'
last
(lɑːst)
adj
(= most recent)[visit, trip, letter]最近的 (zuìjìn de)
⇒ Much had changed since my last visit.自我最近一次拜访以后，那里发生了很大的变化。 (Zì wǒ zuìjìn yī cì bàifǎng yǐhòu, nàlǐ fāshēngle hěn dà de biànhuà.)
[Monday, July, weekend etc]上 (shàng)
⇒ last Monday上个星期一 (shàng gè xīngqīyī)
(= final)[bus, hope etc]最后(後)的 (zuìhòu de)
⇒ He missed the last bus home.他错过了回家的最后一班车。 (Tā cuòguòle huíjiā de zuìhòu yī bān chē.)
(of series, row) 最后(後)的 (zuìhòu de)
⇒ the last classroom along the passage走廊里的最后一个教室 (zǒuláng li de zuìhòu yī gè jiàoshì)
⇒ the last three pages of the chapter这一章的最后3页 (zhè yī zhāng de zuìhòu sān yè)
(= remaining)[traces, piece etc]剩下的 (shèngxià de)
⇒ the last piece of pizza剩下的一块比萨饼 (shèngxià de yī kuài bǐsàbǐng)
(for emphasis) 最不的 (zuìbù de)
⇒ The last thing I wanted to do was teach.我最不想做的事就是教书了。 (Wǒ zuì bù xiǎng zuò de shì jiù shì jiāoshū le.)
⇒ You are the last person I'd confide in!你是我最不信任的人！ (Nǐ shì wǒ zuì bù xìnrèn de rén!)
pron
(= previous one) 上一个(個) (shàng yī gè)
⇒ The next tide would be even higher than the last.下一次的潮水要比上一次的还高。 (Xià yī cì de cháoshuǐ yào bǐ shàng yī cì de hái gāo.)
(= final one) 最后(後)一个(個) (zuìhòu yī gè)
⇒ Which address is the last on your list?你单子上的最后一个地址是哪一个？ (Nǐ dānzi shang de zuìhòu yī gè dìzhǐ shì nǎ yī gè?)
⇒ The trickiest bits are the last on the list.最棘手的是单子上的最后一个。 (Zuì jíshǒu de shì dānzi shang de zuìhòu yī gè.)
(for emphasis) 最后(後)一个(個) (zuìhòu yī gè)
⇒ He is the last person I would think of.他是我最不会考虑的一个人。 (Tā shì wǒ zuì bù huì kǎolǜ de yī gè rén.)
⇒ I would be the last to say that science has explained everything.我绝对不觉得科学已经解释了所有事情。 (Wǒ juéduì bù juéde kēxué yǐjīng jiěshìle suǒyǒu shìqing.)
(= remainder) 剩下的 (shèngxià de)
⇒ He finished off the last of the wine.他把剩下的葡萄酒喝完了。 (Tā bǎ shèngxià de pútáojiǔ hēwán le.)
⇒ We've eaten the last of the pineapples.我们把剩下的菠萝都吃了。 (Wǒmen bǎ shèngxià de bōluó dōu chī le.)
adv
(= most recently) 最近 (zuìjìn)
⇒ They last saw their homeland nine years ago.他们最近一次看到故乡是9年以前了。 (Tāmen zuìjìn yī cì kàndào gùxiāng shì jiǔ nián yǐqián le.)
(= at the end) 最后(後) (zuìhòu)
⇒ He added the milk last.他最后把牛奶加进去。 (Tā zuìhòu bǎ niúnǎi jiā jìnqù.)
(= in final position) 最后(後) (zuìhòu)
vi
(= continue) 持续(續) (chíxù)
⇒ Their marriage only lasted six months.他们的婚姻只持续了6个月。 (Tāmen de hūnyīn zhǐ chíxùle liù gè yuè.)
⇒ The war in Croatia lasted until January 1992.克罗地亚的战争一直持续到1992年1月。 (Kèluódìyà de zhànzhēng yīzhí chíxù dào yījiǔjiǔèr nián yīyuè.)
(= stay fresh) 保鲜(鮮) (bǎoxiān)
⇒ A fresh pepper lasts about three weeks.新鲜的辣椒能保鲜约3个星期。 (Xīnxiān de làjiāo néng bǎoxiān yuē sān gè xīngqī.)
(= be sufficient)[money, commodity]够(夠)用 (gòu yòng)
⇒ The curry lasted for two nights.这些咖喱饭够两个晚上用了。 (Zhèxiē gālífàn gòu liǎng gè wǎnshang yòng le.)
last week上个(個)星期 (shàng gè xīngqī)
⇒ I had lunch with him last week.我上个星期跟他一起吃的午饭。 (Wǒ shàng gè xīngqī gēn tā yīqǐ chī de wǔfàn.)
last night (= yesterday evening) 昨晚 (zuówǎn) (= during the night) 昨天夜里(裡) (zuótiān yèli)
the last time (= the final time) 最后(後)一次 (zuìhòu yī cì) (= the previous time) 上一次 (shàng yī cì)
at (long) last (= finally) 终(終)于(於) (zhōngyú)
the last I heard最近一次我听(聽)到的是 (zuìjìn yī cì wǒ tīngdào de shì)
I'm always the last to find out我总(總)是最后(後)一个(個)知道 (wǒ zǒngshì zuìhòu yī gè zhīdào)
the night/Christmas before last前天晚上/前年圣(聖)诞(誕)节(節) (qiántiān wǎnshang/qiánnián Shèngdàn Jié)
our house is the last but one我们(們)的房子是倒数(數)第二个(個) (wǒmen de fángzi shì dàoshǔ dì'èr gè)
the last president but one倒数(數)第二个(個)总(總)统(統) (dàoshǔ dì'èr gè zǒngtǒng)
last but not least最后(後)一个(個)，但不是不重要的 (zuìhòu yī gè, dàn bù shì bù zhòngyào de)
it lasts (for) 2 hours持续(續)了两(兩)个(個)小时(時) (chíxùle liǎng gè xiǎoshí)
it can't/won't last它不会(會)持久 (tā bù huì chíjiǔ)
All related terms of 'last'
last name
姓 xìng
last week
上个(個)星期 shàng gè xīngqī ⇒ I had lunch with him last week. → 我上个星期跟他一起吃的午饭。 Wǒ shàng gè xīngqī gēn tā yīqǐ chī de wǔfàn.
last year
去年 qùnián
last night
( yesterday evening ) 昨晚 zuówǎn
last-ditch
▶ a last-ditch attempt 孤注一掷(擲) gū zhù yī zhì
last-minute
( decision, appeal etc ) 最后(後)一刻的 zuìhòu yīkè de
at long last
终(終)于(於) zhōngyú
the last time
( the final time ) 最后(後)一次 zuìhòu yī cì
the last word
定论(論) dìnglùn
early last week
上星期初 shàng xīngqī chū
sb's last stand
某人的最后(後)一搏 mǒurén de zuìhòu yī bó
as a last resort
作为(為)最后(後)手段 zuòwéi zuìhòu shǒuduàn
last/next Tuesday
上个(個)/下个(個)星期二 shàng gè/xià gè xīngqī'èr
the last I heard
最近一次我听(聽)到的是 zuìjìn yī cì wǒ tīngdào de shì
a last-ditch attempt
孤注一掷(擲) gū zhù yī zhì
at the last moment
在最后(後)一刻 zài zuìhòu yīkè
in the last resort
最终(終)还(還)得 zuìzhōng hái děi
it can't/won't last
它不会(會)持久 tā bù huì chíjiǔ
it will last forever
它会(會)一直持续(續)下去的 tā huì yīzhí chíxù xiàqù de
last but not least
最后(後)一个(個)，但不是不重要的 zuìhòu yī gè, dàn bù shì bù zhòngyào de
They had brought their furniture from their previous house.
preceding
Please refer back to the preceding chapter.
most recent
2 (adjective)
Definition
most recent
Much has changed since my last visit.
Synonyms
most recent
latest
Latest reports say that another five people have been rushed to hospital.
previous
3 (adjective)
Definition
being, happening, or coming at the end or after all others
She said it was the very last house on the road.
Synonyms
hindmost
furthest
the furthest point from earth
final
at the end
remotest
furthest behind
most distant
rearmost
aftermost
Opposites
first
,
foremost
4 (adjective)
Definition
most extreme
the last three pages of the chapter
Synonyms
final
the final book in the series
closing
concluding
ultimate
He said it is still not possible to predict the ultimate outcome.
utmost
The break-up tested our resolve to its utmost limits.
Opposites
first
,
opening
,
earliest
,
initial
,
introductory
5 (adjective)
Definition
least suitable or likely
He would be the last person to do such a thing
Synonyms
least likely
most unlikely
most unsuitable
least suitable
(adverb)
Definition
as the last or latest item
I testified last.
Synonyms
in or at the end
after
In the vehicle behind, the chauffeur followed after.
behind
The troopers followed behind.
in the rear
bringing up the rear
(noun)
Definition
the final moment
a thriller with plenty of twists to keep you guessing to the last
Synonyms
end
She brought the interview to an abrupt end.
ending
The film has a Hollywood happy ending.
close
Her retirement brings to a close a successful chapter in the school's history.
finish
I intend to see the job through to the finish.
conclusion
At the conclusion of the programme, viewers were invited to phone in.
completion
The project is near completion.
finale
It was a sad finale to a spectacular career.
termination
a dispute which led to the abrupt termination of trade
phrase
See at last
idiom
See the last word
Usage note
Since last can mean either after all others or most recent, it is better to avoid using this word where ambiguity might arise, as in her last novel. Final or latest should be used as alternatives in such contexts to avoid any possible confusion.
Quotation
Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first [Bible: St. Mark]
(verb)
Definition
to remain fresh, uninjured, or unaltered for a certain time
You only need a very small amount, so the tube lasts for ages.
Synonyms
continue
For ten days I continued in this state.
He had hoped to continue as a full-time career officer.
keep
I turned back after a while, but he kept walking.
remain
There remains deep mistrust of his government.
survive
Rejected by the people, can the organization survive at all?
wear
Casual shoes need to wear well.
carry on
Her bravery has given him the will to carry on.
endure
Somehow the language endures and continues to survive to this day.
hold on
persist
Consult your doctor if the symptoms persist.
keep on
hold out
He can only hold out for a few more weeks.
abide
to make moral judgements on the basis of what is eternal and abides
Opposites
end
,
stop
,
die
,
fail
,
fade
,
cease
,
depart
,
expire
,
terminate
Phrasal verbs
See last out
See last something out
Additional synonyms
in the sense of abide
Definition
to last or exist for a long time
to make moral judgements on the basis of what is eternal and abides
Synonyms
last,
continue,
remain,
survive,
carry on,
endure,
persist,
keep on
in the sense of after
Definition
at a later time
In the vehicle behind, the chauffeur followed after.
Synonyms
subsequently,
next,
behind,
afterwards,
in the wake (of)
in the sense of behind
Definition
in a position further back
The troopers followed behind.
Synonyms
after,
next,
following,
afterwards,
subsequently,
in the wake (of)
Synonyms of 'last'
last
Explore 'last' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of carry on
Definition
to continue
Her bravery has given him the will to carry on.
Synonyms
continue,
last,
endure,
persist,
keep going,
persevere,
crack on (informal)
in the sense of close
Definition
the end or conclusion
Her retirement brings to a close a successful chapter in the school's history.
Synonyms
end,
ending,
finish,
conclusion,
completion,
finale,
culmination,
denouement
in the sense of completion
The project is near completion.
Synonyms
finishing,
end,
close,
conclusion,
accomplishment,
realization,
fulfilment,
culmination,
attainment,
fruition,
consummation,
finalization
in the sense of conclusion
Definition
end or ending
At the conclusion of the programme, viewers were invited to phone in.
Synonyms
end,
ending,
close,
finish,
completion,
finale,
termination,
bitter end,
result
in the sense of ending
Definition
the last part or conclusion of something
The film has a Hollywood happy ending.
Synonyms
finish,
end,
close,
resolution,
conclusion,
summing up,
wind-up,
completion,
finale,
termination,
culmination,
cessation,
denouement,
last part,
consummation
in the sense of endure
Definition
to last for a long time
Somehow the language endures and continues to survive to this day.
Synonyms
last,
live,
continue,
remain,
stay,
hold,
stand,
go on,
survive,
live on,
prevail,
persist,
abide,
be durable,
wear well
in the sense of finale
It was a sad finale to a spectacular career.
Synonyms
end,
ending,
close,
result,
finish,
consequence,
conclusion,
outcome,
completion,
termination,
culmination,
end result,
denouement,
bitter end
in the sense of finish
Definition
the final stage or part
I intend to see the job through to the finish.
Synonyms
end,
ending,
close,
closing,
conclusion,
run-in,
winding up (informal),
wind-up,
completion,
finale,
termination,
culmination,
cessation,
last stage(s),
denouement,
finalization
in the sense of furthest
Definition
most distant in time or space
the furthest point from earth
Synonyms
most distant,
extreme,
ultimate,
remotest,
outermost,
uttermost,
furthermost,
outmost
in the sense of hold out
Definition
to last
He can only hold out for a few more weeks.
Synonyms
last,
continue,
carry on,
endure,
hang on,
persist,
persevere,
stay the course,
stand fast
Additional synonyms
in the sense of keep
Definition
to continue or cause (someone) to continue
I turned back after a while, but he kept walking.
Synonyms
continue,
go on,
carry on,
persist in,
persevere in,
remain
in the sense of latest
Definition
most recent, modern, or new
Latest reports say that another five people have been rushed to hospital.
Synonyms
up-to-date,
current,
fresh,
newest,
the new,
happening (informal),
modern,
most recent,
up-to-the-minute
in the sense of persist
Definition
to continue without interruption
Consult your doctor if the symptoms persist.
Synonyms
continue,
last,
remain,
carry on,
endure,
keep up,
linger,
abide
in the sense of preceding
Please refer back to the preceding chapter.
Synonyms
previous,
earlier,
former,
above,
foregoing,
aforementioned,
anterior,
aforesaid
in the sense of remain
Definition
to continue to be
There remains deep mistrust of his government.
Synonyms
continue,
be left,
endure,
persist,
linger,
hang in the air,
stay
in the sense of survive
Definition
to continue to live or exist
Rejected by the people, can the organization survive at all?
Synonyms
continue,
last,
exist,
live on,
endure,
persist,
abide,
pull through
in the sense of termination
a dispute which led to the abrupt termination of trade
Synonyms
ending,
end,
close,
finish,
conclusion,
wind-up,
completion,
cessation,
expiry,
cut-off point,
finis,
discontinuation
in the sense of ultimate
Definition
final in a series or process
He said it is still not possible to predict the ultimate outcome.
Synonyms
final,
eventual,
conclusive,
last,
end,
furthest,
extreme,
terminal,
decisive
in the sense of utmost
Definition
at the furthest limit
The break-up tested our resolve to its utmost limits.
Synonyms
farthest,
extreme,
last,
final,
outermost,
uttermost,
farthermost
in the sense of wear
Casual shoes need to wear well.
Synonyms
last,
survive,
endure,
hold up,
bear up,
prove durable,
resist wear,
stand up to wear
All related terms of 'last'
at last
finally, eventually, in the end, ultimately, at the end of the day
last out
hold out, continue, survive
last-ditch
final, frantic, desperate, struggling, straining
last-minute
late, final, frantic, last-ditch, last-gasp
the last word
final decision, final say, final statement, conclusive comment
last something out
get through, survive, continue throughout, hold out during
on its or your last legs
worn out, dying, failing, exhausted, giving up the ghost