When presenting ideas, introducing people, or concluding a list, the phrase “last but not least” has long been a reliable way to highlight a final item without diminishing its importance. It reassures listeners or readers that being mentioned last doesn’t make someone or something less valuable.
While the expression is widely recognized, using it repeatedly can make your writing or speech feel predictable. Exploring alternative phrases allows you to sound more engaging, polished, and tailored to your audience.
Whether you’re delivering a presentation, writing an email, preparing a speech, or creating content, the right alternative can add variety and strengthen your message. In this guide, you’ll discover creative and professional ways to replace “last but not least” while preserving its meaning and impact.
What Does “Last but Not Least” Mean?
“Last but not least” is an expression used when mentioning the final person, item, or point in a list while emphasizing that it is just as important as everything mentioned before it.
The phrase typically carries a positive and appreciative tone. It is often used to show respect, recognition, or significance, ensuring the final mention does not seem overlooked.
When to Use It
The phrase is commonly used in:
- Presentations and speeches
- Professional emails
- Award ceremonies
- Team introductions
- Blog posts and articles
- Casual conversations
Examples:
- Last but not least, I’d like to thank our project manager for keeping everything on track.
- Last but not least, don’t forget to review the final step before submitting your application.
Is It Polite or Professional?
Yes, “last but not least” is both polite and professional. It works particularly well when recognizing individuals, introducing final points, or concluding lists. However, in formal writing or business communication, alternatives can add sophistication and prevent repetition. Choosing the right variation helps your message feel more natural and audience-specific.
28+ Last but Not Least Alternatives
1. Finally
Meaning: Used to introduce the last point or item.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
Example: Finally, I’d like to address our plans for next quarter.
Explanation: This straightforward alternative simply signals the final point without adding emphasis on importance.
Purpose: Ideal for reports, presentations, and formal discussions.
2. Lastly
Meaning: Indicates the final item in a sequence.
Tone: Professional, concise.
Example: Lastly, let’s review the key takeaways from today’s meeting.
Explanation: Commonly used in structured communication when wrapping up a list or discussion.
Purpose: Works well in business writing and presentations.
3. To conclude
Meaning: Introduces a final thought or statement.
Tone: Formal.
Example: To conclude, I’d like to thank everyone for their contributions.
Explanation: Signals the end of a discussion while creating a polished transition.
Purpose: Best for speeches, essays, and formal presentations.
4. In closing
Meaning: Marks the final remarks.
Tone: Formal, respectful.
Example: In closing, I’d like to express my appreciation for your support.
Explanation: Often used in speeches and presentations to transition into concluding comments.
Purpose: Suitable for professional and ceremonial settings.
5. Equally important
Meaning: Highlights that the final point deserves the same attention.
Tone: Professional, emphatic.
Example: Equally important, we must maintain clear communication throughout the project.
Explanation: Focuses on the significance of the final point rather than its position.
Purpose: Useful when emphasizing priority.
6. Not to be overlooked
Meaning: Indicates that something deserves attention.
Tone: Professional.
Example: Not to be overlooked, customer feedback played a key role in our success.
Explanation: Draws attention to an important point that might otherwise be forgotten.
Purpose: Effective for highlighting contributions or key ideas.
7. Just as importantly
Meaning: Emphasizes equal significance.
Tone: Professional, persuasive.
Example: Just as importantly, we need to focus on employee well-being.
Explanation: Connects the final point to earlier points while maintaining equal weight.
Purpose: Great for business and analytical writing.
8. One final point
Meaning: Introduces the last item.
Tone: Professional, conversational.
Example: One final point: consistency is essential for long-term success.
Explanation: Clearly signals that you’re approaching the end.
Purpose: Useful in meetings and presentations.
9. Before we wrap up
Meaning: Introduces a final thought before ending.
Tone: Friendly, conversational.
Example: Before we wrap up, I’d like to share one important reminder.
Explanation: Creates a smooth and engaging transition.
Purpose: Ideal for meetings, webinars, and casual presentations.
10. To finish
Meaning: Introduces the final point.
Tone: Casual, professional.
Example: To finish, let’s review our action items.
Explanation: A simple alternative that sounds natural in both speech and writing.
Purpose: Useful in workplace communication.
11. As a final note
Meaning: Adds a concluding remark.
Tone: Professional.
Example: As a final note, please submit your reports by Friday.
Explanation: Often used to introduce an important reminder or closing thought.
Purpose: Excellent for emails and presentations.
12. One last thing
Meaning: Introduces a final detail.
Tone: Friendly, conversational.
Example: One last thing—don’t forget to save your work before logging out.
Explanation: Casual and engaging, making it feel personal.
Purpose: Best for informal communication.
13. And importantly
Meaning: Highlights significance.
Tone: Professional.
Example: And importantly, all team members will receive additional training.
Explanation: Emphasizes the value of the final point without sounding overly formal.
Purpose: Great for workplace discussions.
14. To end with
Meaning: Introduces the final item.
Tone: Neutral.
Example: To end with, I’d like to recognize our volunteers.
Explanation: Creates a natural transition toward the conclusion.
Purpose: Suitable for speeches and presentations.
15. A final consideration
Meaning: Presents one last important factor.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
Example: A final consideration is the long-term impact of these changes.
Explanation: Common in strategic discussions and reports.
Purpose: Useful for professional analysis.
16. One more important point
Meaning: Adds a significant final thought.
Tone: Professional.
Example: One more important point is maintaining customer trust.
Explanation: Signals that the final point deserves attention.
Purpose: Effective for presentations and reports.
17. Last on the list, but equally important
Meaning: Closely mirrors the original phrase.
Tone: Professional, appreciative.
Example: Last on the list, but equally important, is our commitment to quality.
Explanation: Explicitly states that the final item is not less significant.
Purpose: Ideal when recognition is important.
18. Rounding out the list
Meaning: Completes a sequence.
Tone: Casual, professional.
Example: Rounding out the list is our newest product offering.
Explanation: Creates a smooth ending to a series of points.
Purpose: Great for articles and presentations.
19. Completing the lineup
Meaning: Introduces the final member or item.
Tone: Friendly.
Example: Completing the lineup is our marketing director.
Explanation: Frequently used when introducing people or teams.
Purpose: Best for introductions and acknowledgments.
20. Bringing us to our final point
Meaning: Transitions to the conclusion.
Tone: Professional.
Example: Bringing us to our final point, let’s discuss implementation.
Explanation: Helps guide audiences through structured discussions.
Purpose: Useful for presentations and training sessions.
21. Last in order, not in importance
Meaning: Final but equally valuable.
Tone: Formal, appreciative.
Example: Last in order, not in importance, is our dedicated support team.
Explanation: Closely captures the meaning of “last but not least.”
Purpose: Excellent for recognition and appreciation.
22. Saving an important point for last
Meaning: Suggests intentional placement.
Tone: Conversational.
Example: Saving an important point for last, let’s discuss customer retention.
Explanation: Implies that the final point was deliberately reserved.
Purpose: Adds emphasis and engagement.
23. Finishing strong
Meaning: Ending with something impactful.
Tone: Motivational.
Example: Finishing strong, we’d like to announce our expansion plans.
Explanation: Creates excitement around the final point.
Purpose: Great for speeches and presentations.
24. Ending on an important note
Meaning: Concludes with significance.
Tone: Professional.
Example: Ending on an important note, safety remains our top priority.
Explanation: Highlights the importance of the final statement.
Purpose: Useful for workplace communication.
25. Closing with
Meaning: Introduces the final topic or thought.
Tone: Professional.
Example: Closing with a reminder, please complete the survey by Friday.
Explanation: Creates a smooth transition into concluding remarks.
Purpose: Common in emails and presentations.
26. Wrapping up with
Meaning: Finishes a discussion.
Tone: Friendly, professional.
Example: Wrapping up with our final update, the project remains on schedule.
Explanation: Sounds natural and conversational.
Purpose: Suitable for meetings and team updates.
27. The final highlight
Meaning: Presents the last noteworthy item.
Tone: Positive, engaging.
Example: The final highlight of today’s event is our scholarship announcement.
Explanation: Suggests that the final point deserves attention.
Purpose: Great for events and presentations.
28. And certainly not least
Meaning: Emphasizes equal importance.
Tone: Appreciative, professional.
Example: And certainly not least, we’d like to thank our sponsors.
Explanation: Maintains the original meaning while sounding slightly more refined.
Purpose: Perfect for acknowledgments, speeches, and recognition.
Conclusion
While “last but not least” remains a timeless and effective expression, having a variety of alternatives can make your communication more engaging, polished, and audience-focused. Whether you’re writing a professional email, delivering a presentation, introducing team members, or concluding an article, the right phrase helps maintain variety while emphasizing importance. These alternatives allow you to match different tones and contexts without losing the meaning behind the original expression. Try incorporating them naturally into your communication to keep your writing fresh, professional, and memorable.
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