Main Entry: ex·pec·ta·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən, ik-\

Function: noun

Date: 1540

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 2b b : expected value

— ex·pec·ta·tion·al \-ˈtā-shə-n^əl, -shnəl\ adjective