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.
"We would like to close that gap in the future," Kirkwood says, adding that the results suggest manipulating TTP may eventually benefit humans and other animals.
From Science Daily • May 19, 2026
The three suburban counties of Boone, Kenton, and Campbell run in vertical slices, each taking part of the Cincinnati suburbs south of the Ohio River and running south through exurbs and eventually rural areas.
From Slate • May 19, 2026
The fieldwork also took the team to Joshua Tree National Park, which some research suggests will eventually become largely devoid of its namesake plant.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
After whacking the ball into the stands in frustration, Parry regained her composure to eventually see out the straight-set victory after two hours and 26 minutes.
From BBC • May 19, 2026
Torak shut his eyes to push the thought away, and eventually fell into an uneasy sleep.
From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver
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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.