finally

adverb

fi·​nal·​ly ˈfī-nᵊl-ē 

ˈfīn-lē

1

: after a prolonged time : at the end of period of time

Two hours later, the train finally arrived.

He finally got around to calling.

I'm so happy to finally meet you!

It finally dawned on me what she'd meant.

2

a

: as the last act or occurrence in a series : in the end : eventually

After many attempts, they finally gave up.

"My career meandered all over the place and I finally settled on comedic acting. …"

—Cassandra Peterson

"He listened to the whole thing, very attentive, and finally he turned to the doctor and he said, 'I have a question.'"

—Russell Newman

b

: by way of conclusion : as the last point

"… Finally, I'd like to thank the fans for their great support …"

—Joe Girardi

c

: in the end : ultimately

What finally matters is whether you're likely to drink enough of the organisms to make you sick.

—Peter Jaret

3

old-fashioned : in a final manner : in a way that does not allow change

I have reason for asking this question which you have answered so finally.

—Willa Cather

She said it so finally … that Mr. Pumblechook … could not protest.

—Charles Dickens

… the power to decide finally and conclusively upon all motions made in the course of legislative proceedings …

—John G. Carlisle

Synonyms

• eventually
• someday
• sometime
• sooner or later
• ultimately
• yet

Examples of finally in a Sentence

we're making steady progress and may finally finish this project

Recent Examples on the Web

Alphabet shares were tough to own for a while, but Tuesday’s results show that after stumbling out the gate, the team is finally on proper footing with AI. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 24 July 2024

On Tuesday, the day before the Rams were set to begin on-field preparations for the Sept. 8 opener at Detroit, it finally got done. —Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2024

Nothing Ventured is the first book in the William Warwick series documenting the tumultuous life of Warwick, from from his time as a detective in the art squad, his career moves through drugs, murder, royal protection, Olympic Games security and finally counter terrorism. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 July 2024

Or perhaps your new treatment plan involves a steroid that will finally reduce your pain in exchange for unpredictable panic attacks. —Katie Camero, SELF, 23 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing finally

• the/his chickens are (finally) coming home to roost