eventually
gb/ɪvˈɛnt͡ʃuəli/ us/ɪvˈɛnt͡ʃuəli/
B1
English
~ 1200
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
Finally, after some delay
At a later time, after waiting or after other things happen first.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] eventually [does something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'eventually' with 'possibly' or 'maybe', but 'eventually' means it will happen, just not right away.
Synonyms
finally (Often interchangeable, but 'finally' can also imply relief or completion more strongly.)
|
ultimately (More formal and can emphasize the end result over the process.)
Antonyms
immediately (Means happening right away, without the delay implied by 'eventually'.)
|
never (Indicates that something does not happen at any time, opposite of something happening later.)
Collocations
eventually realize
|eventually become
|eventually decide
|eventually lead to
|eventually find
Themes
daily life
|time
|storytelling
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- After months of searching, she eventually found a job she loved.
- We knew the snow would eventually melt.
- He eventually admitted that he had made a mistake.
- The negotiations were long, but they eventually reached an agreement.
Learner examples
- I will eventually buy a car.
- He will eventually come back.
- The baby will eventually walk.
- We will eventually finish the project.
Grammar
Dictionary form
eventually
IPA
GB/ɪvˈɛnt͡ʃuəli/
US/ɪvˈɛnt͡ʃuəli/
Syllables & stress
even - tu - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tu)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: eventually
- Plural: eventuallies
Word family
Forms
eventuallies
noun
Related words
eventful
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
uneventful
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
eventuality
noun
Expressions
eventually end up
1/ɪvˈɛnt͡ʃuəli ˈɛnd ˈʌp/
fixed phrase
Reach a final situation after time
To be in a place or situation in the end after other things happen first.
Examples
- We got lost and eventually ended up in a small village.
- She studied law but eventually ended up working in marketing.
eventually lead to
1/ɪvˈɛnt͡ʃuəli lˈid tə/
fixed phrase
Cause something in the end
To make something happen after some time has passed.
Examples
- His poor diet will eventually lead to health problems.
- Years of research eventually led to a breakthrough.