dead last

USAGE SUMMARY

"dead last" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that finishes in last place or is the last to achieve something. Here is an example sentence: "After a series of close races, the underdog team emerged victorious and left their opponents in dead last place on the scoreboard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They finished last year dead last in their division.

The Guardian - Sport

The United States was dead last, with 240.0.

The New Yorker

In fact, the Giants' rushing attack ranked dead last in 2011.

The New York Times

He finished the last decathlon event, the 1500 meters, dead last, in obvious pain.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Energy providers remained dead last on the list, at 56.08.

Forbes

USA Today's ad meter pegged it dead last.

Huffington Post

So far this year, the Colts' defensive line is ranked dead last.

The Economist

In last year's credit markets, basic industry issuers ranked dead last in sectorial performance.

Forbes

Dead last!

The New York Times

Dead last in their division.

The New York Times

Milwaukee finishes dead last.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dead last" to emphasize not just the last position, but also a significant underperformance or failure compared to others. For example, "Our team wasn't just last; we were dead last, with half the points of the next team."

Common error

Avoid using "dead last" to describe something that is simply at the end of a list without negative connotations. For example, avoid saying, "I put the dessert I like best dead last on the buffet line". It's better to say you put it 'at the end'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dead last" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something is definitively in the final position within a ranking or competition. Ludwig provides several examples showcasing its common usage in this context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dead last" is a commonly used adjective phrase that emphatically denotes the very bottom position in a ranking or competition. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and the examples show that it is frequently found in news and media, though it also appears in academic contexts. While the phrase is typically neutral in tone, it implies a significant degree of underperformance or failure and it can be used to express not just being last, but being distinctly and perhaps embarrassingly last. When writing, use "dead last" when you want to highlight the absolute lowest rank with a negative connotation. Consider alternatives like ""in last place"" or "at the bottom" for a more neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in last place

Focuses on the position itself rather than emphasizing the degree of being last.

last-place finisher

Specifically refers to the person or team that finished in last place.

at the bottom

A more general term indicating the lowest position, not necessarily in a competition.

bringing up the rear

An idiomatic expression for being at the very end.

in the cellar

Sports-related idiom for being last in the standings.

at the tail end

Emphasizes the position at the very end of a sequence.

trailing behind

Suggests a significant gap between the last position and others.

wooden spooner

An idiomatic expression for coming last in a competition

lagging farthest behind

Highlights the extent of being behind the others.

the also-ran

Focuses on those that did not win, implies a lack of success.

FAQs

How to use "dead last" in a sentence?

You can use "dead last" to emphasize being at the very bottom of a ranking or list. For instance, "Our team finished "in last place" and was considered "dead last" in the competition".

What can I say instead of "dead last"?

You can use alternatives like ""in last place"", "at the bottom", or "bringing up the rear" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "dead last" or "last"?

"Dead last" and "last" are both correct, but "dead last" emphasizes a more significant or definitive last place. Just being "last" is a simple statement of position, while "dead last" implies a wider margin or greater degree of failure.

What's the difference between "dead last" and "last place finisher"?

"Dead last" is an adjective phrase used to describe the state of being last. "Last place finisher" is a noun phrase that refers specifically to the person or team that finished in last place.