ultimately
gb/ˈʌltəmɪtli/ us/ˈʌltəmɪtli/
B2
English
~ 2800
végül, végső soron, alapvetően
B2
1
végül
A2
végső soron
B2
Usage pattern:
[something] ultimately [verb]
Ultimately, the decision rests with the board.
Végső soron a döntés az igazgatótanácsé.
Her hard work ultimately paid off.
Kemény munkája végül meghozta gyümölcsét.
The negotiations ultimately failed due to lack of trust.
Learner examples
We ultimately chose the cheaper hotel.
Végül az olcsóbb szállodát választottuk.
He ultimately moved to Canada.
Végül Kanadába költözött.
The project ultimately took six months to finish.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'ultimately' with 'immediately'—but 'ultimately' refers to the final outcome, not something happening right away.
Meaning
in the end, after all factors
Collocations
ultimately decide
|ultimately lead to
|ultimately responsible
Synonyms
finally (More common in casual speech; can also emphasize relief or impatience.)
|
eventually (Focuses more on something happening after a delay, without necessarily implying a conclusion from reasoning.)
Antonyms
initially (Refers to the beginning rather than the conclusion of a process.)
Themes
time
|decision
|process
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Finally, after everything else has happened or been considered.
Used to indicate the final result or conclusion after considering all factors or events.
B2
2
végső soron
B2
alapvetően
B2
Usage pattern:
[something] ultimately [verb]
Ultimately, it's your happiness that matters most.
Végső soron a te boldogságod számít a leginkább.
The success of the plan ultimately depends on teamwork.
A terv sikere végső soron a csapatmunkán múlik.
Ultimately, we all want the same things in life.
Learner examples
It is ultimately your choice.
Ez végső soron a te döntésed.
The result ultimately depends on how hard we work.
Az eredmény végső soron attól függ, mennyire keményen dolgozunk.
Ultimately, health is more important than money.
Meaning
most importantly or at the core
Collocations
ultimately about
|ultimately comes down to
|ultimately depends on
Synonyms
fundamentally (Focuses on the essential nature of something.)
|
essentially (Similar meaning but can sound slightly less formal.)
Antonyms
superficially (Focuses only on surface details rather than the core importance.)
Themes
reasoning
|priority
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Definition
Most importantly; when you think about what really matters.
Used to emphasize the most important fact, reason, or truth in a situation.
Grammar
Dictionary form
ultimately
IPA
GB/ˈʌltəmɪtli/
US/ˈʌltəmɪtli/
Syllables & stress
ul - ti - mately (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ul)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: ultimately
- Plural: ultimatelies
Word family
Forms
ultimatelies
noun
Core family
ultimate
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
ultimatum
noun
penultimate
adjective
Expressions
when all is said and done
1/wˈɛn ˈɔl ˈɪz sˈɛd ˈænd dˈʌn/
idiom
after everything has happened or been considered
After everything has happened or been discussed, thinking about the result.
Examples
- When all is said and done, we made the right choice.
- It wasn't easy, but when all is said and done, it was worth it.
at the end of the day
1/ˈæt ðə ˈɛnd əv ðə dˈeɪ/
idiom
informal
when everything is considered
When you think about everything and make a final judgment.
Examples
- At the end of the day, we all want to be happy.
- It’s expensive, but at the end of the day, quality matters most.
at the end of the day
2/ˈæt ðə ˈɛnd əv ðə dˈeɪ/
idiom
when everything is considered finally
Used to mean 'when everything is thought about' or 'in the end'.
Examples
- At the end of the day, we all want to be happy.
- You may not like his style, but at the end of the day, he gets results.
in the long run
1/ˈɪn ðə lˈɔŋ ɹˈʌn/
idiom
Eventually, after a long time
After much time has passed, considering the final result.
Examples
- In the long run, investing in education pays off.
- It will be cheaper in the long run to buy quality products.
- In the long run, this decision will save money.
- It may be hard now, but it will be worth it in the long run.
- In the long run, regular exercise benefits your health.
- It might be hard now, but in the long run you'll be happier.
in the long run
2/ˈɪn ðə lˈɔŋ ɹˈʌn/
idiom
over a long time, final effect
After a long time has passed, thinking about the final result.
Examples
- In the long run, investing in education pays off.
- You may feel tired now, but exercise will help you in the long run.