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
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower
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"In the Spotlight," Vocabulary from the informational text
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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.
Meanwhile, the Lakers showed some seriously good stuff early, coming out firing in the first quarter, scoring on their first three shots, eight of their first nine, and eventually 16 of their first 20.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026
He eventually dropped that case, though, and in our conversations, he wanted to focus on the positive things that happened after his detention.
From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026
The race was initially halted by a red flag before it was eventually suspended an hour later once the severity of the the multi-car collision became apparent.
From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026
The company, which will eventually invest in stores again, is hosting trunk shows —where designers bring their collections to particular stores—and where the seamstresses will work with customers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 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
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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.