What it means
ついに means “finally” or “at last.” It marks an important result that comes after a long wait, repeated effort, or a process that has taken time. It can describe a positive achievement or an unwanted outcome, and it usually emphasizes that the result has now been reached rather than simply placing an event at the end of a sequence.
Usage note
ついに often suggests emotional or dramatic culmination. For the neutral meaning “lastly” when listing items or steps, 最後に is more appropriate.
How to use it
ついに新しい橋が完成しました。
The new bridge was finally completed.
ついに新しい橋が完成した。
The new bridge was finally completed.
Example sentences
長年の研究を重ねた結果、ついに新しい薬が完成した。
After years of research, a new medicine was finally completed.
何度も修理を試みたが、ついに古い時計は動かなくなった。
Although I tried to repair it many times, the old clock finally stopped working.
毎晩練習を続