eventually

American  

[ih-ven-choo-uh-lee] / ɪˈvɛn tʃu ə li /

adverb

1. finally; ultimately; at some later time.

   Eventually we will own the house free and clear.

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eventually British  

/ ɪˈvɛntʃʊəlɪ /

adverb

1. at the very end; finally

2. (as sentence modifier) after a long time or long delay

   eventually, he arrived

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Etymology

Origin of eventually

First recorded in 1650–60; eventual + -ly

Explanation

Eventually refers to an unspecific time when something will be completed, and it usually suggests it won't be done soon. Think of eventually being said with a big sigh, as though the speaker knows that it will take a long time before something will be finished. Still, it does allow for the hope that, although it might not be anytime soon, it will be done at last — a promise fulfilled. Not now, maybe, but eventually.

Example Sentences

Eventually, his main rival in the Democratic primary, Gov. Janet Mills, suspended her campaign.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Eventually, shares will trade based on company performance and on whatever the broader economy is doing.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Eventually, that combination could pave the wave for rate hikes.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

Eventually, the shift toward immigration enforcement reached even beyond ATF’s agents to the industry operations investigators who inspect dealers.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

Eventually they reached the Rocky Ridge that ran the length of the river.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

Related Words

• finally
• in the course of time
• one day
• someday
• sooner or later
• ultimately