eventually

The word “eventually” means in the end, especially after delay or difficulty. In plain terms, after some time has passed, in the end.

“Eventually” is pronounced ih-VEHN-choo-uh-lee (/ɪˈvɛn.t͡ʃu.ə.li/ in IPA).

Here is “eventually” used in a sentence: “The train eventually arrived, an hour late.”

Words with a similar meaning to “eventually” include finally, yet, ultimately, in the end, at length and at long last.

The opposite of “eventually” — its antonyms — are immediately, promptly and soon.

“Eventually” is an adverb.

“Eventually” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Both describe something happening after a wait, and they often overlap. 'Finally' tends to express relief or mark the last item in a sequence — 'finally, we can rest.' 'Eventually' stresses that the outcome came only after delay, difficulty, or uncertainty — 'the parcel eventually arrived.' You can feel the impatience in eventually more than in finally.

No. In English, eventually always means something will happen in the end, treating the outcome as certain even when the timing is not. Speakers of some languages confuse it with a false friend — such as Spanish 'eventualmente' or German 'eventuell' — which means 'possibly.' For that idea in English, use 'possibly' or 'perhaps' instead.

'After years of saving, they eventually bought a house.' The word signals that the result arrived slowly or against some obstacle. Other natural examples: 'He was stubborn, but he eventually agreed,' or 'The road eventually leads to the coast.' Each implies a stretch of time or effort before the end point is reached.