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

See Examples For:

eventually

If left untreated, a rattlesnake bite can eventually lead to death.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

Cherubim hopes to identify the atmosphere's complete chemical composition and eventually determine whether the planet has surface oceans or other features connected with habitability.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 21, 2026

I eventually hired a professional to take care of the grass, which came with an overstated bill every month.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

Perhaps the most textbook example of this value destruction was AOL’s acquisition of Time Warner in 2000, which eventually destroyed an estimated $200 billion of shareholder value.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026

Not so dark that the streetlamps have come on yet, but dark enough that I know I’ll eventually wish for a lantern.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

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