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

Since the start of the Iran conflict, investors around the world have been worried that tight global oil supplies and high prices could eventually lead to a drop in demand.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

But if companies like Amazon, Microsoft and Google overshoot a bit in their data-center build-outs, they at least have the comfort of knowing they eventually can make use of that capacity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Over time, some of these nuclei convert protons into neutrons, moving toward a more stable balance and eventually forming p-nuclei.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

To improve, she said, more investment in permanent housing is needed so people have a place to go and don’t get stuck in interim beds where they eventually get fed up or kicked out.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Almost 180,000 Black men would fight with the Union Army, eventually making up 10 percent of its force.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Related Words

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