Penultimate, next to last, immediately preceding the end of a sequence or list.

(philosophy) The proposition that the universe began to exist last Thursday, with the appearance of age and history.

The last gasp or breath a person takes before death. / (by extension) The point of death, or the last period of one's life. / (figuratively) A last-gasp moment, attempt, etc.

(idiomatic) A final act (by a politician, etc.) or performance (by an actor, etc.) that marks the end of a career.

(sports) The round in a knockout competition before the quarterfinal, in which sixteen teams or competitors remain.

(sports) The semifinal.

(sports) A quarterfinal; the players in a quarterfinal

A final meal that a prisoner may choose before being executed.

(idiomatic) Very close to a deadline or potential crucial event.

(attributive) only