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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"In the Spotlight," Vocabulary from the informational text
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
"Phobos' orbit is dynamically very special; it is very close to Mars, slowly spiraling inward, and will eventually be disrupted or impact Mars," says Haser.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 19, 2026
“That’s why the upside in stocks eventually hinges upon stocks’ ability to deliver on increasingly rosy earnings expectations — not just for the next quarter or two, but for the quarters to come.”
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 19, 2026
Smith eventually walked away and handed the hydroplane to the Ruskin Museum.
From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2026
Latham said several search teams eventually converged on the same spot before inspectors used binoculars to identify the nest in a tree.
From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026
She chewed as slowly as she could manage, but eventually the cake insisted upon being swallowed.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
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.
