Ultimately means in the end, after everything else has happened or been considered. When you say something will ultimately happen, you mean it will be the final result, even if other things occur first along the way.

If you're building a model rocket, you might try several designs that fail, make adjustments, learn from mistakes, and test different engines. Ultimately, though, your goal is to launch a rocket that flies straight and lands safely. The word points to that final outcome, acknowledging the journey but focusing on where things end up.

Scientists use this word when explaining cause and effect over time. A river ultimately flows to the ocean, even though it might wind through forests and cities first. The sun is ultimately responsible for almost all energy on Earth, even though that energy takes many forms before we use it.

You can also use ultimately when weighing different factors to reach a conclusion. You might consider several summer camps, thinking about cost, location, and activities, but ultimately decide based on which one your best friend is attending. The word signals that you've thought through everything and arrived at your final answer.