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

When they took his hat, he pleaded for its return, and the robbers eventually tossed it back.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2026

Speaking to Bloomberg, Fernandes remained defiant on hedging fuel costs, saying he thinks they'll eventually calm down.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

James said he initially tried to get the matter dealt with by the SNP, but eventually went to the police after the party "tried to avoid the whole situation".

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Other notable artifacts connected to St. Eustatius are a headstone from its Jewish cemetery, commemorating a merchant’s wife, and a Hanukkah lamp from Amsterdam that was eventually carried to St. Thomas by Jewish exiles.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

“Hi, Chris. Yes, I’m here with a member of the undercover operation that eventually located Mrs. Callahan. What can you tell us about the arrest today?”

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

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