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.

an expectancy of an inheritance

b

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

life expectancy

Synonyms of expectancy

• anticipation
• expectation

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

Shifts in win expectancy by count, rather than in OPS, are what’s actually meaningful. —Tim Britton, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026

Every year, Team USA distributes millions in grants to its individual sport governing bodies, with the biggest chunk distributed based on medal expectancy and future athlete development. —Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 19 Feb. 2026

But in a clinical trial, that experience can be a liability as outcomes can be sensitive to expectancy bias. —Ian Reardon, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026

Someone genetically predetermined to live 80 years could reach 85 with healthy habits, while unhealthy lifestyle choices can shorten that expectancy to 75. —Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026

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