1. The final action one takes at a certain time. Checking the front door is the last thing I do before I leave the house—if I don't make sure the door is locked, I worry about it all day! The last thing my daughter and I do before bedtime is sing her favorite lullaby.

2. Something that one really does not want to do and would like to avoid (although it may not be possible). The last thing I want to do is move, but I might not have a choice considering how much the rent has increased.