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 trial is expected to last several weeks, and Judge Arun Subramanian recently confirmed that the trial will most likely conclude before July 4.—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 25 May 2025 But earlier this month, Trump called for a cease-fire, prompting fears in Israel that American support for its military campaign might not last.—Daniel Byman, The Atlantic, 24 May 2025
Adjective
If one looks at government yields since the end of last year, a different picture emerges.—Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025 Peso Pluma returned after an abrupt cancellation last year due to weather conditions, and Shakira delivered a two-hour set that concluded with a fireworks over the city’s skyline.—Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
Adverb
After Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as working members of the royal family and relocated to California in 2020, they were last seen together with Prince William and Princess Kate at the 2022 funeral events of Queen Elizabeth.—Stephanie Petit, People.com, 14 May 2025 Rosemond was last seen alive on April 7, 2009 in Somerville, about two miles north of Cambridge, prosecutors said.—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Noun
But how long the pain lasts depends entirely on how long the tariffs, especially on China, remain in place.—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025 How long the drug allergy rash lasts depends on different factors, such as the severity of the reaction and other individual factors.—Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 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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