Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Immediately preceding the final one in a series or sequence: "next-to-last" describes the item, position, or stage that comes directly before the last one.
   • Penultimate: A formal synonym, meaning second from the end.

Usage

• The term is used to specify order, indicating the second item from the end of a series.
• It is commonly applied to chapters, stages, positions, items in a list, or years in an academic program.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She finished in the next-to-last position in the race.
  • Please review the next-to-last paragraph on page ten.
  • The next-to-last episode of the series was the most exciting.

Advanced Usage

• "next-to-last but one": This is a less common, redundant phrasing sometimes used for emphasis, identical in meaning to "next-to-last."
  • He lives in the next-to-last house but one on the street.
• In academic contexts, particularly in the U.S., it can describe the third year of a four-year high school or college program (the junior year).
  • He is a next-to-last year student, so he will graduate next spring.

Variants and Related Words

• Penultimate (adj): The direct synonym, often used in more formal or technical writing.
  • The penultimate chapter provides the climax.
• Second-to-last (adj): A common alternative with identical meaning.
  • Turn at the second-to-last traffic light.

Synonyms

• Penultimate: Second from the end.
• Second-to-last: Immediately before the final one.
• Last but one: A more idiomatic alternative.

Antonyms

• First: The initial item in a series.
• Last: The final item in a series.

Related Phrases

• The one before the last: A descriptive phrase with the same meaning.
  • I liked the one before the last song best.

Adjective

1. used of the third or next to final year in United States high school or college
   • the junior class
   • a third-year student
2. next to the last
   • the author inadvertently reveals the murderer in the penultimate chapter
   • the figures in the next-to-last column