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

Wall Street expectations Wall Street analysts generally expect Rivian on Thursday to provide more details on the future capabilities of its vehicles. —Michael Wayland, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025

As education secretary from 2001 to 2005, Paige emphasized his belief that high expectations were essential for childhood development. —CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025

Anna Rollins considers disordered eating, therapy culture, and the expectations of motherhood. —Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025

Mortgage rates are influenced much more by how the 10-year Treasury is trading and investor expectations, Rossman said. —Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 10 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing expectation

• every expectation of
• 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