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
• contemplation
• expectance
• expectancy
• prospect

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

However, Deutsche Bank Economist Sanjay Raja said Monday that expectations are growing for looser fiscal policy in the budget than previously thought. —Jenni Reid, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024

The Portland Trail Blazers tip off their season Wednesday night as the NBA season gets underway and expectations are, to be honest, not great. —Kale Williams, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024

Readers can learn how to stop wasting energy on things beyond their control, release the grip of peoples' expectations and create a plan that leads to success and fulfillment — among other lessons. —Marina Watts, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024

The first episode bucks many expectations by showing that Ena wasn’t forced to marry, but did so out of love…. —John Hopewell, Variety, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing expectation

• mathematical expectation

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