eventually
ih-VEHN-choo-uh-lee
Eventually (adv) means In the end, especially after delay or difficulty. Example: “After several wrong turns, we eventually found the little cottage.”
adv
1
In the end, especially after delay or difficulty.
"After several wrong turns, we eventually found the little cottage."
"The train eventually arrived, an hour late."
"She eventually admitted she was wrong."
How to use eventually
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAfter some time has passed, in the end.
Common mistake
Not the same as "possibly" — a common false-friend mistranslation from French éventuellement or Spanish eventualmente, which do mean "possibly."
Easily confused with
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After several wrong turns, we _____ found the little cottage.
Etymology
From eventual + -ly.
Synonyms
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at last
over time
finally
yet
ultimately
in the end
at length
at long last
by and by
in due course
in due time
in time
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for eventually
See all rhymes for eventually →Frequently asked questions
What does “eventually” mean?
The word “eventually” means in the end, especially after delay or difficulty. In plain terms, after some time has passed, in the end.
How do you pronounce “eventually”?
“Eventually” is pronounced ih-VEHN-choo-uh-lee (/ɪˈvɛn.t͡ʃu.ə.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “eventually” in a sentence?
Here is “eventually” used in a sentence: “The train eventually arrived, an hour late.”
What is another word for “eventually”?
Words with a similar meaning to “eventually” include finally, yet, ultimately, in the end, at length and at long last.
What is the opposite of “eventually”?
The opposite of “eventually” — its antonyms — are immediately, promptly and soon.
What part of speech is “eventually”?
“Eventually” is an adverb.
Is “eventually” a common word?
“Eventually” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between eventually and finally?
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.
Does eventually mean maybe?
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.
What is an example of eventually in a sentence?
'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.
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