last minute

[min-it]

noun

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

last-minute

noun

1. (modifier) given or done at the latest possible time

   last-minute preparations

Other Word Forms

• last-minute adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of last minute¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Auto Show, last minute shoppers took test rides in electric vehicles.

From Los Angeles Times

The conservative opposition Christian Democrats had long been expected to lend their support, but several members of former prime minister Igor Matovic's Slovakia movement added their votes at the last minute, tipping the scales.

From BBC

“Apparently, when you do everything at the last minute, sometimes you don’t get it done,” said co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone in a statement posted to Instagram regarding the skipped week.

From Salon

"We go into this with solidarity, hunger and the will to be brave, united and fight until the very last minute to show what we're capable of."

From BBC

Several patients arrived at hospitals on Wednesday expecting to receive treatment, only to find out their appointments had been cancelled at the last minute.

From BBC