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

Meanwhile, Eurozone bond yields fell on Monday as progress on peace talks over the weekend eased traders’ concerns over inflation and reduced expectations of central bank rate hikes. —Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 25 May 2026

In an interview with TNT Sport in 2024, West Ham legend Mark Noble discussed why beating their rivals should be an expectation, not a special moment. —Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 24 May 2026

Those ticket sales are aligned with expectations, though box office analysts are mixed on the results. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 24 May 2026

But the dynamics shifted with the May 6 mayoral debate, as Pratt exceeded expectations given his lack of political experience, as his most prominent role has been as a love-to-hate reality star on The Hills and social media influencer. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 May 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