# eventual consistency

CEFR C2 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eventual-consistency
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a way of managing data in computer systems where different copies of the same information might not match immediately, but they will all become the same after a short time. You use this when speed is more important than having perfect data every single second.

For teachers: a consistency model used in distributed computing that guarantees that all replicas of a data item will eventually converge to the same value if no new updates are made. This approach prioritises high availability and performance over immediate data synchronisation across all nodes.

## Examples

- The social media app uses eventual consistency to show likes on a post.
- Because the database uses eventual consistency, you might see your old profile picture for a few seconds after uploading a new one.
- In large-scale distributed systems, eventual consistency is often a necessary trade-off to ensure the system remains responsive even during network partitions or high traffic volumes.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the context of NoSQL databases and distributed systems architecture.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.