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.

---

eventually British  

/ ɪˈvɛntʃʊəlɪ /

adverb

1. at the very end; finally

2. (as sentence modifier) after a long time or long delay

   eventually, he arrived

---

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

When the huge corruption scandal broke in 2016 it sparked weeks of protests by millions of people on the streets of Seoul, and eventually led to the country's president being impeached.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

The tie-up also envisions eventually adding short-term rentals from the Vrbo platform.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

I’m sure he realized eventually that it was probably the wrong action to take, just not good etiquette.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Those investors eventually rushed back into stocks, crypto and new asset classes such as prediction markets, powering a rally in Robinhood shares last year that culminated with its inclusion in the benchmark S&P 500 index.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Coal made note of it, knowing eventually he would have to figure out how to weave through their choreography, or find the best way to clear out of their path.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste

Related Words

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