expectancy

noun

ex·​pec·​tan·​cy ik-ˈspek-tən(t)-sē 

plural expectancies

1

a

: the act, action, or state of expecting

the strange expectancy that getting on any train gives us

—John Updike

b

: the state of being expected

occurs with an expectancy slightly greater than usual

2

a

: something expected

their belief led to an expectancy

b

: the expected amount (as of the number of years of life) based on statistical probability

life expectancy

Synonyms

• anticipation
• contemplation
• expectance
• expectation
• prospect

Examples of expectancy in a Sentence

that feeling of optimistic expectancy that fills theatergoers as they wait for the curtain to rise

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, expectancy violation theory, as highlighted in the study, explains this cycle. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025

A dog's life expectancy will depend on the underlying cause and the duration, and severity of the disease. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025

Thanks in part to the NHS's failures, Britons are falling behind on metrics from life expectancy to infant mortality. —Sally Pipes, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Best win: at Kansas Worst loss: vs. San Diego State NET ranking: 2 Comment: The victory at KU was the Big 12’s most unlikely win since 2017 using the win expectancy metrics on KenPom.com. —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing expectancy

• life expectancy

Kids Definition

expectancy

noun

ex·​pect·​an·​cy

ik-ˈspek-tən-sē

plural expectancies

1

: expectation sense 1

2

: the expected amount (as of years of life) based on statistical probability

life expectancy

Medical Definition

expectancy

noun

ex·​pec·​tan·​cy -ˈspek-tən-sē 

plural expectancies

: the expected amount (as of the number of years of life) based on statistical probability see life expectancy

Legal Definition

expectancy

noun

ex·​pec·​tan·​cy

plural expectancies

: something expected: as

a

: an interest held by a person who may receive something (as a bequest) in the future but has no enforceable right to it

b

: the benefit that will be received from a contract if performed