Word
eventuality
Phoneticseven·tu·al·i·ty
US/əˌvɛntʃuˈæɫɪti/
UK/ɪvˌɛntʃuːˈælɪti/
Countable noun
Definition
n. something that might happen in the future, especially something difficult you want to be ready for.
n. a possible future outcome or circumstance, especially one considered in planning or preparation.
Examples
“We save money for any future eventuality.”
“The school keeps extra buses ready for any eventuality, such as bad weather or road closures.”
“Prudent planners do not predict a single future but prepare systems flexible enough to absorb almost any eventuality without collapse.”
Examples
simple
“We save money for any future eventuality.”
contextual
“The school keeps extra buses ready for any eventuality, such as bad weather or road closures.”
complex
“Prudent planners do not predict a single future but prepare systems flexible enough to absorb almost any eventuality without collapse.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “eventuality” in context.
Verb
01. anticipate eventuality
“Experienced pilots are trained to anticipate any eventuality in flight.”
verb + noun
02. cover eventuality
“A good travel policy should cover every eventuality abroad.”
verb + noun
03. eventuality arises
“Should such an eventuality arise, call the emergency helpline immediately.”
noun + verb
04. foresee eventuality
“It is impossible to foresee every eventuality in such a complex operation.”
verb + noun
05. plan for eventuality
“The company has planned for every eventuality, including a cyberattack.”
verb + prep + noun
06. prepare for eventuality
“Schools should prepare for any eventuality, from snowstorms to power cuts.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
07. possible eventuality
“We discussed every possible eventuality before launching the product.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. insurance against eventuality
“Saving regularly is the best insurance against any eventuality.”
noun + prep + noun
09. allow for every eventuality
“A robust business plan must allow for every eventuality in the market.”
10. cover every eventuality
“The safety manual tries to cover every eventuality on site.”
11. guard against any eventuality
“To guard against any eventuality, keep copies of all key documents.”
12. prepare for any eventuality
“The team trained hard to prepare for any eventuality on the expedition.”
Usage
Often appears in phrases with 'for' or 'against', as in 'prepared for any eventuality'.
Real-World Examples
“It is not the WHO’s fault that Russia is essentially a rogue state, but the body must be ready for such eventualities.” “The company has been preparing for the eventuality of this day given the declining gas availability in New Zealand, President and CEO Rich Sumner said.” Etymology
Calque of French éventualité, eventual + -ity
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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