ultimately
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈʌltɪmətli/
US
- /ˈəltəmətli/
Description
- in the end
- after everything
- when all is said and done
- finally
- at the deepest level
"Ultimately" is a word for the final result after everything has been considered or after events have played out. It often means "in the end" or "when all is said and done." You might begin a project with one plan but ultimately choose a different path after learning more. Or you might try many hobbies and ultimately discover that painting suits you best. It points to the last answer, decision, or outcome after all the steps in between.
"Ultimately" is an adverb used to point to the final outcome, final decision, or last conclusion after everything has been considered or after a process has unfolded. Very often, it means something close to "in the end" or "after all that." It helps the listener move past the details and focus on where things finally arrive.
You might say, "She studied hard throughout the semester and ultimately earned an A in the class." This shows the result at the end of all her effort. Or consider: "He wanted to be a musician but ultimately chose a more stable career path." Here, the word highlights the final decision after he weighed different options. In everyday English, this is the most common use: it marks the end point of thinking, change, or events.
"Ultimately" can also be used in a broader, more thoughtful way to mean something like "at the deepest level" or "when reduced to the main point." For example, "Ultimately, trust matters more than talent in a partnership." In a sentence like this, the word does not just point to time passing; it points to the basic truth or main point beneath the details.
It is close to "eventually," but not exactly the same. "Eventually" mainly tells you that something happened after some time. "Ultimately" more often stresses the final outcome or final judgment after all factors are taken into account. When you want to emphasize the end result, the last decision, or the main point that remains after everything else is considered, "ultimately" is a strong choice.
Examples
- 1
Design choice
The team tried several designs, but they ultimately chose the simplest one.
- 2
Shared goal
We may disagree now, but we all ultimately want the same thing.
- 3
Project success
The success of the project ultimately depends on whether customers keep using it.
Pattern
ultimately depends on + factor
is finally decided by that factor
- 4
Career path
He started as an intern and ultimately became the company's CEO.
- 5
Treatment result
The treatment helped for a while, but it did not ultimately solve the problem.
- 6
Personal decision
You can ask for advice, but ultimately the decision is yours.
- 7
Main point
Ultimately, what matters is whether the children feel safe.
Pattern
Ultimately, what matters is + main point
when you think about the most important point, that is what matters
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- ultimatelyadverb