eventually
Americanadverb
adverb
-
at the very end; finally
-
(as sentence modifier) after a long time or long delay
eventually, he arrived
Etymology
Origin of eventually
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.
Vocabulary lists containing eventually
"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower
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"In the Spotlight," Vocabulary from the informational text
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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.
The rockets would be dedicated to refueling SpaceX’s massive Starship vehicles while in space, a critical step that could eventually enable more frequent trips to the moon and potentially Mars.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026
Specimens were taken to a lab in Carlsbad for further study, and will eventually be transferred to a museum — perhaps the San Diego Natural History Museum or the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026
Bessent, who spoke after meeting Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, said the two discussed if there can eventually be a more substantive trade deal between the two countries.
From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026
The findings could eventually lead to treatments designed to help older adults remain active and independent, from walking safely to continuing everyday activities with family.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 24, 2026
Father Julien hesitates, but eventually walks toward her.
From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
