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

The company, which manufactures memory chips, announced earnings and revenue for its fiscal first quarter that beat expectations as demand for artificial intelligence hardware remains strong. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025

Part of that change is through telling diverse stories of older people, which Mirren has continuously done, often going against conventional expectations for an older actress as well. —H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

Societal expectations often constrain men from showing intimacy to other men, especially when boys enter our teenage years. —Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025

The clock is ticking on Detroit to finally exceed expectations and turn the corner back into the playoff picture. —The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 24 Sep. 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