last out
C1/C2Informal (often), slightly figurative
Definition
Meaning
To survive, endure, or remain until the end of a difficult period or situation.
To manage to continue existing or functioning until a specified point in time, often under challenging conditions of hardship, competition, or pressure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a phrasal verb. The subject is typically a person or entity capable of endurance (team, business, machine). Implies struggle against negative forces (exhaustion, competition, lack of resources).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties with no significant difference in meaning. Possibly slightly more common in British English sporting contexts.
Connotations
Connotes resilience, stubbornness, or mere survival against the odds.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency; more common in spoken language, sports commentary, and journalistic reports on crises.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + last out + (prepositional phrase with 'for' + duration)Subject + last out + (direct object: the difficult period)Subject + last out + (adverb: e.g., 'until morning')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To last out the course”
- “To be the last man standing”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The small company didn't have enough capital to last out the economic downturn."
Academic
"The theory, though popular, failed to last out rigorous peer review."
Everyday
"I don't think these cheap boots will last out another winter."
Technical
"The battery is designed to last out extreme temperature fluctuations."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The boxer was exhausted but just managed to last out the final round.
- Do you think the roof will last out another gale?
American English
- The startup's funds were only enough to last out the quarter.
- He doubted he could last out the entire marathon in that heat.
adverb
British English
- N/A - Not standard as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - Not standard as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - Not standard as an adjective in this phrasal form.
American English
- N/A - Not standard as an adjective in this phrasal form.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old car lasted out the long trip.
- I hope my phone battery lasts out the day.
- The team showed incredible spirit to last out the opponent's relentless attacks.
- Few businesses managed to last out the sudden market crash.
- The garrison, though under-supplied, was determined to last out the siege.
- Her patience was fraying, and she wasn't sure she could last out the tedious meeting.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a candle LASTING OUT a windy night – it stays lit, it ENDURES until morning.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENDURANCE IS A RESOURCE (e.g., 'running out of stamina'), SURVIVAL IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'seeing it through').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'last' as a noun (последний). This is a verb phrase.
- Avoid literal translation as 'последний вне'. Use выдержать, продержаться, протянуть.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *'We lasted out for the crisis.' Correct: 'We lasted out the crisis.' OR 'We lasted out for the duration of the crisis.'
- Confusing 'last out' with 'last' as an adjective: 'This is the last out of the inning.' (baseball term).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'last out' used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot say 'last the winter out' (though this is sometimes heard informally); 'last out the winter' is standard.
'Last' alone means 'to continue for a period of time.' 'Last out' adds a specific connotation of enduring through difficulty or hardship until a defined end point.
Rarely. It inherently implies a challenge. You would not typically 'last out' a pleasant holiday, but you might 'last out' a holiday with terrible weather.
Yes, especially in endurance sports (marathon, boxing, cricket) and team sports to describe a side surviving pressure: 'Can they last out until halftime?'
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