last minute

American  

[min-it] / ˈmɪn ɪt /

noun

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

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last-minute British  

noun

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

   last-minute preparations

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Other Word Forms

• last-minute adjective

Etymology

Origin of last minute

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

One was an international student who had to live in a hostel for a week after being left without accommodation at the last minute.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

She entered the race to challenge Bass, her one-time ally, at the last minute, hours before the early February filing deadline.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

At the last minute, India agreed not to veto an extension -- but only for a maximum of two years.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Computing resources often shifted from one team to another at the last minute, and the company’s organizational structure grew complicated, the employees said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Wimpy has been trying to work it so that Mami and I can board that plane at the last minute.

From "Before We Were Free" by Julia Alvarez