expectation
noun
ex·pec·ta·tion
ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən 
ik-
1
: the act or state of expecting : anticipation
waited in expectation of what would happen
2
a
: something expected
not up to expectations
expectations for an economic recovery
Expectations for the team were high.
I found it hard to live up to/meet/match their expectations. [=to do as they expect me to do]
b
: basis for expecting : assurance
They have every expectation of success. [=they believe they will succeed]
c
: prospects of inheritance
—usually used in plural
3
: the state of being expected
4
b
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 expectation is for plus 40,000.
—
Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2025
Early expectations for the Jordan Brand were modest.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025
The film, which traces a mother’s increasing desperation as her teenage son slips into mental illness, marks a bold step for a director intent on reshaping expectations around Arab cinema.
—Essie Assibu, Variety, 3 Dec. 2025
Saudi Arabia’s budget is closely watched by everyone from commodity traders to local businesses looking for clues about the government’s oil price expectations and how that will trickle down into the economy and impact government borrowing.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expectation
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Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2025
Early expectations for the Jordan Brand were modest.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025
The film, which traces a mother’s increasing desperation as her teenage son slips into mental illness, marks a bold step for a director intent on reshaping expectations around Arab cinema.
—Essie Assibu, Variety, 3 Dec. 2025
Saudi Arabia’s budget is closely watched by everyone from commodity traders to local businesses looking for clues about the government’s oil price expectations and how that will trickle down into the economy and impact government borrowing.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expectation
Cite this Entry
“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectation. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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