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Synonyms

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

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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.

This would also make crude-oil prices more sensitive to geopolitical shocks and could eventually see them bleed through into higher prices for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, weighing on consumers and the broader economy.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

But if companies like Amazon, Microsoft and Google overshoot a bit in their data-center build-outs, they at least have the comfort of knowing they eventually can make use of that capacity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Over time, some of these nuclei convert protons into neutrons, moving toward a more stable balance and eventually forming p-nuclei.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

The sign of a panic-stricken summer, overshadowed by the Isak saga, can be seen in the fact Newcastle's first offer for Wissa, before eventually paying £55m, was just £25m.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Thus it was the next day, when Penelope eventually went downstairs to strike up a conversation with Lady Constance.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood