eleventh hour

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But talks stalled at the eleventh hour, with negotiations crumbling partly due to America’s nicknamed “Star Wars” program, the space-based missile defense system that America was trying to develop to prevent a nuclear attack.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026

"My mum cancelled making Nicola’s dress in the eleventh hour despite how excited she was to wear her design, forcing her to urgently find a new dress."

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

“It’s so much better to get people out during an event for safety reasons, than to — at the eleventh hour — try to get people out,” Suen said in an interview with The Times.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2025

The surprising announcement came at the eleventh hour of his presidency and sparked celebration among the amendment's backers.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2025

Then he said quietly: ‘Up to the last moment—up to the eleventh hour, we will beg the Governor’s permission for the ships’ return to London with their cargo.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes