# dead last

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dead-last
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Finishing in last place in a competition or ranking, often by a considerable margin to the next to last place finisher or after an exceptionally poor showing or season.

## Examples

- He finished the race in dead last.
- After his car broke down during the final lap, he ended up in dead last.
- Despite his rigorous training schedule, the athlete struggled with his form and ultimately finished the championship in dead last.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.