Word
eventually
Phoneticseven·tu·al·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/iˈvɛnʃəɫi/
UK/ɪvˈɛntʃuːəli/
Adverb of time
Definitions
01after a long time
B1 · Intermediate
adv. at the end of a long period of time, especially after many problems or delays.
adv. occurring at an unspecified later time, typically following a series of events, obstacles, or a significant duration.
“It took three hours, but we eventually found the keys in the car.”
“Although the negotiations were fraught with tension and repeated setbacks, the two parties eventually reached a compromise that satisfied the board.”
Pitfall
I will eventually go to the store now.
I will eventually go to the store.
'Eventually' implies a delay or a long time passing; it cannot be used for things happening right now.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02mathematical sequences
C2 · Proficiency Mathematics Technical
adv. used to describe a rule that becomes true for all numbers after a certain point in a list.
adv. describing a property that holds for all terms of a sequence beyond a certain finite point.
“The sequence is eventually constant, meaning all numbers are the same after the tenth one.”
“A sequence is said to be eventually positive if there exists an integer N such that all terms beyond N are greater than zero.”
Usage
Usually modifies a property or a verb like 'constant' or 'zero'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “eventually” in context.
Verb
01. eventually agree
“After hours of discussion, the two managers eventually agreed on a new plan.”
adv + verb
02. eventually become clear
“The instructions were confusing at first, but the process eventually became clear.”
adv + verb
03. eventually find a solution
“If you keep trying different methods, you will eventually find a solution to the problem.”
adv + verb
04. eventually give up
“He tried to fix the old car for weeks but eventually gave up and sold it.”
adv + verb
05. eventually pay off
“All your hard work and late nights studying will eventually pay off when you graduate.”
adv + verb
06. eventually reach the destination
“The hikers were exhausted, but they eventually reached their destination before sunset.”
adv + verb
Confusables
Eventually marks the end of a long process or delay, while actually introduces a fact that corrects a misunderstanding.
RememberEventually = Finally. Actually = In fact.
Eventually describes a result that comes after a long or uncertain delay, while finally marks the last item in a sequence or a result achieved after specific difficulties.
RememberEventually = In due time. Finally = At long last.
Eventually means something will happen after a long time or a series of delays, while possibly means something might happen but is not certain.
RememberEventually = finally. Possibly = maybe.
Etymology
From eventual + -ly. The third sense is influenced by any of several European languages, including Czech eventuálně, French éventuellement, Swedish eventuellt.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
Domain
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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