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
• 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

Ideally, Amorim wants his centre-backs to be aggressive in winning possession but perhaps, as against Slot, there is merit in defying the expectations of a rival manager, and instead staying compact in a low block. —Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025

If a prequel’s first episode doesn’t live up to expectations, there’s no reason to believe later episodes, let alone seasons, will improve enough to win you back. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025

Power prices soared to new highs on the expectation of data centers’ ballooning electricity needs, and are expected to rise again next June. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025

As the Detroit Pistons prepare for the 2025-26 campaign, the expectations are much higher than last year, which resulted in a 44-win season. —MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

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