eventuality

/ɪˌventʃuˈæləti/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˌventʃuˈæləti/ (ame, ipa) · /i-ˌven-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē/ (ame, mw)

eventuality — noun

  • eventualitysingular
  • eventualitiesplural

1. a future situation that could occur, typically one that is bad or unwelcome and

1.名詞C1
釋義

a future situation that could occur, typically one that is bad or unwelcome and that people prepare for in advance.

例句

The hospital keeps backup generators ready for the eventuality of a citywide power cut.

for the eventuality of + noun (preparing for a bad outcome)

Tara packed warm clothes, a torch, and water to cover every eventuality on the hike.

cover every eventuality (be ready for any unwelcome outcome)

同義詞
  • contingency

    very close synonym; emphasises planning for the possibility

  • possibility

    broader and neutral; doesn't imply the outcome is unwelcome

  • outcome

    an event that actually happens, not just a potential one

反義詞
  • certainty

    something guaranteed to happen, not merely possible

文法句型

the eventuality of + noun

in the eventuality of + noun

for every eventuality

用法筆記

Typically refers to bad or unwelcome possibilities; neutral or positive futures are usually called 'outcomes' or 'possibilities' instead. Common in formal writing about insurance, contracts, contingency plans, and emergency procedures.

常見錯誤

❌I hope for the eventuality of getting the job.
✅I hope for the possibility of getting the job.
💡'eventuality' implies an unwelcome outcome; use 'possibility' for hoped-for events.
❌Eventually she arrived.' (using the adverb when the noun is meant)
✅Her arrival was an eventuality the team had prepared for.
💡'eventually' is an adverb of time; 'eventuality' is a countable noun for a possible future event.