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.
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Verb
The first phase will last for six weeks and will see the staggered release of 33 Israeli hostages.—Rob Picheta, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025 The rain will become widespread Sunday night into Monday and could last into Tuesday, when it is expected to move off to the east.—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Just last year in 2024, Texas was on Forbes’ list of the cities with the worst drivers, specifically talking about Dallas and Fort Worth.—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Jan. 2025 At last year’s AFC Championship Game against the Ravens in Baltimore, Swift wore a red, oversized cashmere sweater from gal-pal Gigi Hadid’s Guest in Residence collection.—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2025
Adverb
Numerous leads go dark Dawn’s mother last heard from her daughter the day before she was found dead.—Ray Sanchez, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025 The Mega Millions jackpot was last hit Jan. 17, when an Arizona player won the $112 million grand prize, lottery officials said.—Don Sweeney, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
The type of health effects a person experiences can depend on how much smoke and particulate matter a person is exposed to, how long the exposure lasts and individual risk factors such as socioeconomic status and underlying health conditions.—Dr. Jade Cobern, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2025 How long an asthma attack lasts can vary from person to person.—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for last
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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