last applies to something that comes at the end of a series but does not always imply that the series is completed or stopped.
last page of a book
last news we had of him
final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.
final day of school
terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development.
terminal phase of a disease
ultimate implies the last degree or stage of a long process beyond which further progress or change is impossible.
the ultimate collapse of the system
Examples of last in a Sentence
Verb (1)
we were lucky that the batteries lasted until we could get to the store to buy more
this heavy drought has lasted all summer Adjective
He was the last one out of the building.
She succeeded on her last attempt.
These are the last two books in the series.
We are going to the beach for the last week of the summer.
the last cookie in the jar
She said she wouldn't marry him if he was the last man on earth.
He was tragically killed during the last days of the war.
I haven't seen her recently. The last time we met was at a party. Adverb
He spoke last at the meeting.
My horse was last in the race.
She was first to arrive at the party and last to leave.
I last saw him in the supermarket.
They last went to the beach in June.
This word was last used in the 17th century.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The new system also uses half the energy, while the materials are projected to last three times as long—all of which cuts overall costs by 50 percent.—IEEE Spectrum, 5 June 2024 Transit experts say that such opposition is common among communities acclimating to tolling plans, but not always lasting.—Grace Ashford, New York Times, 5 June 2024
Adjective
The group’s camp offerings have not changed since last year.—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2024 Hopkins, who was 19 at the time of the shooting, pleaded guilty last year to assault with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to one year in county jail, plus probation.—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024
Adverb
The Tehama County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s assistance in locating a 7-year-old boy who was last seen with his dad, Jonathan Bradley Sr., around 2 a.m. Saturday in Red Bluff.—Cathie Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 25 May 2024 There will be free food for children younger than 18 while supplies last.—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2024
Noun
Holliday asked to wear No. 7, unofficially retired since Cal Sr. last put on an Orioles jersey in 1992, as a tribute to his father, Matt, and their baseball family.—Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2024 So many 'lasts,' the last day for this character and so on.—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for last
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'last.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Verb (1)
Middle English, from Old English lǣstan to last, follow; akin to Old English lāst footprint
Adverb
Middle English, from Old English latost, superlative of læt late
Noun (2)
Middle English, from Old English lǣste, from lāst footprint; akin to Old High German leist shoemaker's last, Latin lira furrow — more at learn
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