finally

American  

[fahyn-l-ee] / ˈfaɪn l i /

adverb

1. at the final point or moment; in the end.

2. in a final manner; conclusively or decisively.

3. at last; eventually; after considerable delay.

   After three tries, he finally passed his driving test.

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finally British  

/ ˈfaɪnəlɪ /

adverb

1. after a long delay; at last; eventually

2. at the end or final point; lastly

3. completely; conclusively; irrevocably

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1. in the end; lastly

   finally, he put his tie on

2. as the last or final point: linking what follows with the previous statements, as in a speech or argument

Etymology

Origin of finally

First recorded in 1325–75; final + -ly

Example Sentences

“People are finally getting around to the idea that we are at war,” said Cindy Beaulieu, chief investment officer at Conning North America, speaking in the wake of Trump’s Wednesday night address on Iran.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

"I am honored to be the first president to finally get this much-needed project, which is on time and under budget, underway."

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

The department’s proposal is, quite simply, to finally let fiduciaries be fiduciaries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

He treated the lottery more like "an opportunity to donate to charity - with the chance of winning as a bonus" and was shocked at finally seeing the winning code.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

I know because I finally rescued that darn journal from the bottom of my bag and wrote it down.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• already
• belatedly
• eventually
• someday
• sooner or later
• subsequently
• ultimately