expectation

noun

ex·​pec·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən 

ik-

1

: the act or state of expecting : anticipation

in expectation of what would happen

2

a

: something expected

not up to expectations

expectations for an economic recovery

b

: basis for expecting : assurance

they have every expectation of success

c

: prospects of inheritance

—usually used in plural

3

: the state of being expected

4

a

: expectancy sense 2b

b

: expected value

expectational

ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-shnəl

adjective

Synonyms

• anticipation
• expectancy

Examples of expectation in a Sentence

The company has expectations of making a profit next year.

I saved the files in the expectation that they would be useful in the future.

There is widespread expectation that the strike will be settled soon.

The crowd waited in expectation of her arrival.

Recent Examples on the Web

Be clear about your limits and expectations. —Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025

This is a coach who followed in the footsteps of an icon and surpassed all expectations in delivering the Premier League trophy at the first time of asking. —James Pearce, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025

Most corporate divisions have been phasing up their in-person expectations—enterprise tech, for example, went from 13 in-office days per quarter to three days per week in August, and now four. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025

By temporarily waiving certain penalties, the agency aims to give institutions time to adapt their systems while maintaining compliance expectations once the grace period ends. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing expectation

• mathematical expectation

Rhymes for expectation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

expectation

noun

ex·​pec·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən 

ik-

1

: the act or state of expecting : a looking forward to or waiting for something

2

: chances of good or bad fortune

—usually used in plural

3

: something expected