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
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
That word—entitled—is frequently thrown around to insult this generation, but there are some cases in which the unabashed expectation of fair treatment is a clear source of strength.
—
Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025
The decline was broad-based across components, with consumers' assessments of the present situation and their expectations for the future both contributing to the deterioration.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
The Senate could vote as early as June 26 to curb President Donald Trump’s use of military force in Iran, despite the fragile cease-fire and the expectation of Republican congressional leaders that the proposals will be defeated.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 25 June 2025
When expectations are defined, there’s less room for misunderstanding.
—Ivan Terzi, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for expectation
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Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025
The decline was broad-based across components, with consumers' assessments of the present situation and their expectations for the future both contributing to the deterioration.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
The Senate could vote as early as June 26 to curb President Donald Trump’s use of military force in Iran, despite the fragile cease-fire and the expectation of Republican congressional leaders that the proposals will be defeated.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 25 June 2025
When expectations are defined, there’s less room for misunderstanding.
—Ivan Terzi, Forbes.com, 25 June 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 29 Jun. 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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