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

He also visited his mom every other day at her assisted-living facility and eventually started managing her medications after he noticed she was experiencing some confusion.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026

If that happens a few years in a row, you run a real risk of eventually outliving your money, despite what the historical data say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

An additional 20% were eventually acquired for less than the IPO price.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2026

While rain and erosion eventually removed much of that material, some remained protected inside caves.

From Science Daily • Jun. 23, 2026

Sleepiness eventually came over all of them, and without needing to announce it, they all lay close to the fire, close to one another, and slumbered peacefully while the wind’s angry tirade lessened.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

Related Words

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