1 B2 neutral
(Of a supply or resource) to be sufficient to cover a required period of time.
"Do you think the food will last out until the end of the expedition?"
inseparable
last out
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To survive, endure, or be sufficient for a particular period of time.
In plain English
To have enough of something to get through a difficult time, or to keep going until a period of time is finished.
What does "last out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
(Of a person) to survive, endure, or remain healthy enough to get through a difficult period.
"The doctors weren't sure he would last out the night, but he pulled through."
inseparable
3 B2 informal
To stay in a job, relationship, or role for the full duration despite difficulties.
"She didn't think her new colleague would last out the probation period."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To 'last' to the outer edge of a period — transparent once the 'last' base verb is understood.
Actually means
To have enough of something to get through a difficult time, or to keep going until a period of time is finished.
Usage tip
Common in British English. Often used to talk about supplies, energy, money, or people surviving a difficult period. Frequently appears in questions and negatives: 'Will it last out?', 'He won't last out the winter.'
Words that pair with "last out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
winter week supplies money battery season
How to conjugate "last out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
last out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lasts out
he/she/it
Past simple
lasted out
yesterday
Past participle
lasted out
have + pp
-ing form
lasting out
continuous
Hear "last out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "last out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "last out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.