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 caregiver partner can feel a consistent stress to keep it together during that time, which can last decades.—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 1 May 2025 You’re being called to play the long game, to build something that lasts.—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
Adjective
The company's Groom's Cake ice cream flavor won its Great Scoop Revival Flavor Tournament last year and will be available in stores beginning May 1, the ice cream maker said in a news release.—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 2 May 2025 McIntire was arrested in Massachusetts last month and faces federal charges in Missouri for allegedly using a homemade incendiary device to ignite the two electric vehicles on March 17.—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Adverb
Harry and Kev are anxiously awaiting word from Richie, who was last seen torturing the patsy that was set up to take the fall for Tommy's murder.—Matt Cabral, EW.com, 20 Apr. 2025 She was last spotted resting in an Upper East Side garden.—Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
But for Jaxson Hayes, the final stretch of the regular season and however long the Lakers’ postseason run lasts offer the 24-year-old starting center more than an opportunity to win a ring.—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2025 Today’s turbulence at the SSA is likely a passing phase, whereas the reduction from claiming early lasts forever.—Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 13 Mar. 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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