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
Whether that fluctuating dynamic between coach and players should have any lasting consequences is a matter for United’s board and owners which, as Amorim referenced in his pre-match press conference, includes the Glazers as well as Ratcliffe.—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025 The concerted propaganda effort lasted for over a year, but the people were not convinced.—Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Almost as a cry for help, just holding onto her last bit of identity and not having a lot of time to do things on her own time.—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025 Mayfield also hit a pair of 25-yard completions to Egbuka and tight end Cade Otton on the Bucs’ second-to-last possession.—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Adverb
Yes, at long last, Tom and Robbie meet.—Grace Byron, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025 Borjas was last seen wearing a grey shirt, grey leggings and black sneakers.—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
While the rumors about him potentially announcing the 2025-26 campaign as his last have gained steam, one NBA insider threw some cold water on that idea.—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 Swift last appeared on the show in 2022 to promote her 10th studio album Midnights.—Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 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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