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

a

: expectancy sense 2b

b

: expected value

expectational

ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-shnəl

adjective

Synonyms of expectation

• 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 Cardinals issued a statement Friday saying the organization fully supported the NFL’s decision to suspend Gold and that the league’s policies and expectations for employees on this matter are clear. — Doug Haller, New York Times, 20 July 2026

But taxpayers did foot the bill for those stadiums at one point, presumably with the expectation that they could be used for a wide variety of events – including potential World Cup games. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

The group, which included students, recommended expanding pathways to advanced learning while maintaining high expectations. — Meisha Porter, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026

While this home looks very traditional when viewed from the street, with its obvious and undeniable curb appeal on full display, expectations of a traditional interior are quickly replaced upon passing through the front door. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

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