last
/lɑːst/ (bre, ipa) · [lˈæst] /læst/ (ame, ipa) · [lˈæst] /ˈlast/ (ame, mw)
last — adjective
- lastpositive
- lastercomparative
- lastestsuperlative
1. used for whoever or whatever stands furthest back in a line, list, or time seque
used for whoever or whatever stands furthest back in a line, list, or time sequence.
Christopher was the last runner to cross the bridge before sunset.
the last + noun + to-infinitive
Liang stood in the last row because every front seat was taken.
Our name was the last one on the list outside the studio.
The final guest reached the farmhouse, and Aylin opened the last door.
文法句型
the last + noun + to-infinitive
the last row
the last name on the list
用法筆記
Often appears before a noun or after be. Distinguish this sense from adjective sense 6, which focuses on something remaining after the others are gone.
2. used in the phrase 'at last' when something happens only after a long wait or de
used in the phrase 'at last' when something happens only after a long wait or delay.
At last, the clinic called with an appointment for next Tuesday.
fixed phrase: at last, + clause
At long last, the blocked road reopened after the mountain storm.
The crowd cheered at last when the singer stepped onto the stage.
After six interviews, Manuela heard at last that the job was hers.
文法句型
at last, + clause
hear at last that...
arrive at last
用法筆記
This sense is mainly tied to the set phrase 'at last'. It does not simply mean 'latest'; it adds the idea of relief after waiting.
3. used for someone or something you would expect least, want least, or choose only
used for someone or something you would expect least, want least, or choose only with strong reluctance.
A loan is the last thing this family needs before moving day.
the last thing + clause
Kwame was the last person I expected to cancel without warning.
the last person I expected
Cold soup was the last meal the tired workers wanted that night.
That narrow path is the last route I would choose in rain.
文法句型
the last thing + clause
the last person + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Often appears with thing, person, or place to stress strong unwillingness or surprise. Distinguish it from sense 8, which is about rank rather than preference.
4. used in fixed expressions for the latest point of the day, especially just befor
used in fixed expressions for the latest point of the day, especially just before going to bed.
Mina checks the oven last thing before she goes upstairs to bed.
fixed phrase: last thing before bed
Please email the file last thing tonight, not during dinner.
last thing tonight
The caretaker locks the back gate last thing every evening.
Naoko watered the balcony plants last thing after washing the dishes.
文法句型
last thing tonight
do something last thing before bed
用法筆記
Usually appears in phrases such as 'last thing tonight' or 'last thing before bed'. It points to timing inside a day, not to order in a race or list.
5. used when you state that an action will not be repeated in the future.
used when you state that an action will not be repeated in the future.
Forget it, that is the last time I lend Rui my bike.
that's the last time I...
After the missed pickup, it was the last time our shop used that courier.
One more lie and this will be the last time we meet here.
The manager arrived late again, so it was the last time I stayed after closing.
文法句型
that's the last time I...
it was the last time we...
用法筆記
This sense often sounds firm or annoyed. It comments on future refusal, not on something being the most recent in time.
6. still present because all the others have gone, been used, or disappeared.
still present because all the others have gone, been used, or disappeared.
Only one ticket was left, and Amira grabbed the last seat on the bus.
the last + noun
The last apple rolled under the table after breakfast.
This key is the last copy we have for the storage room.
By midnight, Naoko was the last student still working in the lab.
文法句型
the last + noun
the last of + noun
用法筆記
This sense highlights what remains after reduction. Distinguish it from sense 1, where something is last because of position in an order.
7. belonging to the time nearest to now, or to the occasion immediately before this
belonging to the time nearest to now, or to the occasion immediately before this one.
My last email to the landlord was sent on Friday morning.
our last + noun
We met last winter at a book fair in Tainan.
last + time expression
The last train home leaves at 11:20 on weekdays.
Linh looked calmer than she had during our last conversation.
文法句型
last night
last week
the last train
our last meeting
用法筆記
Common in time expressions such as 'last week' and 'last year'. Distinguish it from sense 1, which is about end position rather than recency.
8. placed at the bottom of a class, competition, or social order.
placed at the bottom of a class, competition, or social order.
The last team in the league had to play a promotion match.
the last team in the league
Workers in the last pay grade received the smallest bonus.
She was tired of being treated as the last member of the committee.
In that old army list, cooks were placed in the last class.
文法句型
the last team in the table
the last pay grade
用法筆記
This sense is about status or rank, not about the latest time. It often appears in sports tables, formal lists, or social hierarchies.
9. serving as the closing, deciding, or most extreme stage of something.
serving as the closing, deciding, or most extreme stage of something.
The judge's signature is the last step before the sale becomes legal.
last step before + clause
The committee made the last decision after reading both safety reports.
The last stage of the project begins once the wiring test passes.
Her diary recorded the family's last days in the flooded town.
文法句型
last stage
last decision
last days
用法筆記
Use this sense for something final or conclusive. Distinguish it from sense 6, which means 'remaining', and from sense 1, which only marks order.
last — adverb
1. after all the other people or things, in the end position.
after all the other people or things, in the end position.
Quinn spoke last after the other three team leaders finished.
speak last
The blue van reached the mountain lodge last.
Among the four children, Elise learned to swim last.
The nurses ate last after every patient had been served.
文法句型
come last
arrive last
eat last
用法筆記
Usually follows the verb. It describes order of completion or arrival rather than the latest previous time.
2. on the most recent occasion, nearest to the present time.
on the most recent occasion, nearest to the present time.
When did you last call your uncle in Hualien?
when did you last...?
Yael last checked the forecast before leaving for the harbor.
subject + last + past tense
Our town last hosted the lantern festival back in 2019.
I last saw that painting hanging above the library stairs.
文法句型
when did you last...?
subject + last + past tense
用法筆記
This sense refers back to the latest previous time. It does not mean being in last place, which is adverb sense 1.
last — noun
1. whoever or whatever occupies the closing place in a group, race, or series.
whoever or whatever occupies the closing place in a group, race, or series.
Only three hikers had reached camp, and Yusuf was the last.
be the last
Please turn off the lights if you are the last to leave.
In our relay group, Yael was the last and carried the team flag.
Among the four folders, the yellow one was the last.
文法句型
be the last
the last in line
用法筆記
Often appears with be. Distinguish it from noun sense 2, which refers to the closing part of something rather than the final member.
2. the closing section of an event, period, book, or other whole.
the closing section of an event, period, book, or other whole.
The last of the movie shows the family returning to the village.
the last of + noun
Please read the last of chapter six before tomorrow's class.
By the last of the concert, several children were asleep.
The last of the storm passed east before dawn.
文法句型
the last of the book
by the last of the concert
用法筆記
Common in phrases like 'the last of the film' or 'by the last of the season'. It refers to a final portion rather than to a person finishing last.
3. a person's final moments at the end of life.
a person's final moments at the end of life.
The poet wrote calmly about facing the last without fear.
face the last
Neighbors stayed with Aunt Rosa through the last beside her bed.
The memoir describes his last as peaceful and free of pain.
No one wanted the patient to meet the last alone.
文法句型
face the last
through the last
用法筆記
This formal sense is mostly found in literary or solemn language about death.
last — verb
- lastpresent simple I / you / we / they
- lasts3rd person singular
- lasting-ing form
- lastedpast simple
1. to keep going without ending, breaking, or disappearing.
to keep going without ending, breaking, or disappearing.
The meeting lasted nearly three hours because the budget numbers kept changing.
last for + period
This heat wave may last into the first week of July.
last into + time period
Their excitement lasted only until the train cancellation notice arrived.
If the ceasefire lasts, farmers can return to the valley this month.
文法句型
last for + period
last until + time
last only + period
用法筆記
Use this sense when something continues in time. Distinguish it from verb sense 2, which focuses on staying useful or being enough.
2. to remain useful, fresh, fashionable, or enough for what is needed.
to remain useful, fresh, fashionable, or enough for what is needed.
A good pair of boots should last through several rainy winters.
last through + event/period
We bought extra rice because one small bag would not last the weekend.
That cheap phone case lasted only a month before the corner split.
Her savings will last until August if she keeps sharing rent.
文法句型
last through + event
last + period
last until + time
用法筆記
This sense is common for objects, supplies, money, and usefulness over time. It is narrower than sense 1 because it adds the idea of remaining good enough.