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 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 Capricorn Moon squares Mercury in your sign, making family expectations, tradition, or someone else’s opinion feel louder than usual. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

And there will be a clear expectation that this cannot happen again. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026

Writer-director Joshua Giuliano, making his feature debut, understands the mechanics of the slasher-thriller in a deep way, having fun with audience expectations as a trio of siblings take a boat trip to dispose of their father’s ashes. — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Madar said its results exceeded expectations and opened Cavalli in key worldwide markets. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 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