Looking up...
at the last moment
/æt ðə læst ˈmoʊmənt/
just before a deadline
She submitted her application at the last moment and missed the deadline.
She waited until the very end to submit, but it was too late.
neutral
at the very end of a time period, just before something must be done
The train leaves in five minutes, so we arrived at the last moment.
We barely made it before the train departed.
He finished his homework at the last moment before the teacher collected it.
He waited until the absolute deadline to complete his work.
Often implies a sense of urgency or last-minute effort.
Collocations
at the last momentjust before the deadline or cutoff
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid procrastination
Using 'at the last moment' often describes a situation you should avoid. Plan ahead to prevent unnecessary stress.
Gold Rule
Timing precision
This phrase emphasizes the very end of a timeframe. It is not used for general lateness but specifically for actions completed just in time (or too late).
Word Origin
The phrase combines the temporal preposition 'at' with 'the last moment', where 'last' derives from Old English 'læst' (latest, final). The concept of 'moment' as a brief period originates from Latin 'momentum' (movement, instant). The phrase has been used in English since at least the 17th century to describe urgency.
Usage Notes
This phrase can carry a negative connotation, implying procrastination or risk. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe situations where time is running out.
Word Breakdown
at
preposition indicating exact time
prepositionthe
definite article
articlelast
final in a sequence
adjectivemoment
a very brief period of time
nounEnglish Dictionary