Eventual consistency is a consistency model used in distributed systems where updates to data will eventually propagate to all nodes in the system. This means that, while immediate consistency is not guaranteed, all copies of the data will become consistent over time. It allows for higher availability and partition tolerance, making it suitable for systems like NoSQL databases. In an eventually consistent system, when a change is made, it may not be visible to all users right away. However, as the system continues to operate, the updates will be synchronized, ensuring that all users eventually see the same data. This approach is often used in applications where speed and availability are prioritized over immediate accuracy.