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

Sykes was in Parliament for 27 years, eventually serving the Buckrose constituency in the Yorkshire Wolds.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Data-center demand must eventually slow, too, as needs are met.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Batteries eventually run out and must be replaced, which is impractical across large farms.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

Researchers hope the tubes of Martian rock, soil and sediment can eventually be brought back to Earth for study.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Until right at that moment, he assumed he’d go back to his old house eventually.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste

Related Words

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