Synonyms

last minute

American

[min-it] / ˈmɪn ɪt /

noun

the time just preceding a deadline or when some decisive action must be taken.

last-minute British

noun

(modifier) given or done at the latest possible time

last-minute preparations

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

last-minute adjective

Etymology

Origin of last minute

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Countries that had tried to stay neutral until the last minute found themselves under attack.

From The Wall Street Journal

The first simulation slot opened at seven, and my mom had pulled strings to get me in at the last minute.

From Literature

John Healey was originally expected to announce the deal on Thursday, but had not been given the final sign-off, leading to last minute jitters over the government's commitment to the project.

From BBC

I haven’t had a role quite like Rachel where I went so far into a project and then pulled out so last minute.

From Los Angeles Times

He continued that "for reasons known only to themselves, Hardings decided to put on a different font at the last minute".

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023