expectation

noun

ex·​pec·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən 

ik-

1

: the act or state of expecting : anticipation

in expectation of what would happen

2

a

: something expected

not up to expectations

expectations for an economic recovery

b

: basis for expecting : assurance

they have every expectation of success

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

• anticipation
• contemplation
• expectance
• expectancy
• prospect

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

Getty Images JPMorgan Chase posted second-quarter revenue that topped analysts’ expectations on Friday morning. —Michele Luhn, CNBC, 12 July 2024

If Biden dramatically underperforms, there is an expectation that several House Democrats will release statements calling on the president to step aside, according to four people familiar with the plans, who, like others, were granted anonymity to discuss private deliberations. —Theodoric Meyer, Washington Post, 12 July 2024

The press conference came on the day inflation numbers came in under expectations, led by a drop in gas prices, and a Friday jobs report showed that 206,000 new jobs were created in June. —James Powel, USA TODAY, 12 July 2024

Wall Street’s expectations for a September rate cut rose to roughly 93% on Thursday from 73% the day before, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. —Krystal Hur, CNN, 12 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing expectation

• mathematical expectation

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