Quick answer: “Last but not least” is used to introduce the final item in a list, showing it is just as important as those that came before.
Last but not least — Used to introduce the final item, person, or point in a list, while making clear that it is just as important as everything mentioned before it.
Meaning
The phrase “last but not least” is used at the end of a list, whether spoken or written, to signal that the final item is not less significant simply because it comes last in order. It reassures the audience that position in a sequence does not equal importance, and it is often used to give proper credit to a final person, point, or reason before concluding.
The idiom is extremely common in speeches, presentations, acknowledgements, and everyday storytelling. It is neutral in tone, comfortable in both formal and informal settings, and instantly recognisable to virtually all English speakers.
Origin & Usage Note
The exact origin of the phrase is not precisely documented, but similar wording appears in English writing going back centuries, including in the works of William Shakespeare, whose plays use comparable phrasing about something being last in sequence but not last in value. Over time, “last but not least” became fixed as the standard way to close a list gracefully in English.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| We'd like to thank our sponsors, our volunteers, and, last but not least, our wonderful audience. | Speech; giving credit to everyone involved |
| Last but not least, remember to bring your passport and travel documents. | Instructions or checklist |
| And last but not least, I want to introduce our newest team member, Priya. | Presentation; introducing people |
| She listed three reasons for leaving, and last but not least, the long commute. | Explaining a decision |
| Last but not least on tonight's programme is a performance from the school choir. | Event programme or announcement |
How to Use It
The idiom is almost always placed immediately before the final item in a list, often set off with commas, as in “X, Y, and, last but not least, Z”. It should be used only once per list, right before the very last point, rather than repeated for multiple items. It works equally well in formal speeches and casual conversation, making it one of the most flexible idioms in English.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
First, last but not least, we have our marketing team.
First, we have our marketing team, and last but not least, our support team. — The phrase must introduce the final item in a list, not an early one.
Last but not last, I want to thank my family.
Last but not least, I want to thank my family. — The fixed idiom is “last but not least”, not “last but not last”.
Last but not least, last but not least, here are the awards.
Last but not least, here are the awards. — The phrase should be used only once, immediately before the final item, not repeated.
Similar Idioms
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Quick Check: Last but not least
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “last but not least” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “We'd like to thank our sponsors, our volunteers, and, _____, our wonderful audience.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “last but not least” mean?
“Last but not least” is used to introduce the final item, person, or point in a list, while making clear that it is just as important as everything mentioned before it, despite coming last in order.
Where does the expression “last but not least” come from?
The phrase has appeared in English for a very long time and is thought to have been used, or at least popularised, in the writing of William Shakespeare, whose plays contain similar phrasing about things being last in order but not last in importance. It has since become a completely standard fixed expression in everyday English.
Can you give an example of “last but not least” in a sentence?
Here is an example: “We'd like to thank our sponsors, our volunteers, and, last but not least, our wonderful audience.” The phrase signals that the audience, mentioned last, is no less appreciated than the sponsors and volunteers.
Is “last but not least” formal or informal?
The idiom is neutral and works well in both formal and informal contexts. It is common in speeches, presentations, written lists, and everyday conversation, making it one of the most versatile transitional idioms in English.
What CEFR level is “last but not least”?
This idiom is typically encountered at A2 to B1 level. It is one of the earliest idioms learners meet because it is short, has a fixed and simple form, and is often used in classroom presentations and structured speaking tasks.
What are common mistakes with “last but not least”?
A common mistake is using the phrase for more than one final item, or repeating it multiple times within the same list, when it should only introduce the single final point. Another error is changing the wording, such as saying “last but not last” instead of the correct fixed form “last but not least”.
What is the difference between “last but not least” and “finally”?
“Finally” simply signals the last item in a sequence without commenting on its importance, while “last but not least” specifically reassures the listener or reader that the final item still matters, despite its position at the end of the list.
Can “last but not least” sound overused or clichéd?
Yes. Because it is so common, some writers and speakers consider it a cliché, particularly in written English or formal essays. In spoken presentations and casual speech, however, it remains a natural and widely accepted way to close a list.
How do I practise idioms like “last but not least”?
LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises are excellent for practising English idioms in context. Try using the phrase yourself at the end of a short list during a presentation or when introducing several people or ideas.
Is “last but not least” used in both British and American English?
Yes. “Last but not least” is used identically in both British and American English, and it is one of the most universally recognised idioms across all varieties of English, frequently heard in speeches, award ceremonies, and everyday lists.