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

Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk said that the hardware in the company’s cars would eventually allow all of its cars to drive themselves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

That should eventually unleash new stock market highs.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

“He’s a physical safety with size and speed who in time will bolster Miami’s secondary, which will eventually become the unit Jeff Hafley builds his defense around.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

I eventually landed a fixed-term contract role at another big tech company.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Hugo spoke to him again, and eventually the man shrugged and indicated for us to go in.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

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