Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

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.


eventually British  
/ ɪˈvɛntʃʊəlɪ /

adverb

  1. at the very end; finally

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

    eventually, he arrived

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing eventually

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.

See Examples For:

He and Levinson hope that by strengthening local communities, it can eventually lead to stronger national bonds.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

These untamed mousers would eventually evolve into the fluffy tabbies, Siberians and ragdolls that dominate today’s social-media algorithms.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

There is a simple reason this may be happening: High yields eventually become the cure for high yields.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026

It was a time when Flynn, who was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder, was insecure, frustrated with his life and struggling with his mental health.

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026

The road eventually came to an end, with only a steep footpath that led to the letters.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Just like flashcards, but way more fun

Don't take our word for it. Leave the boring studying behind and join VocabTrainer today. You'll learn even faster and never look back.

Take me to Vocabulary.com