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
b
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
Cappadocia was evolving into a global destination attracting sophisticated visitors with high expectations that were not always met by existing hospitality offerings.
—
Anya Von Bremzen, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
Turning long-form magazine articles into an audio format utilizes its existing company assets and expertise and offers an expanding menu of services for its premium subscribers, with the expectation that more consumers will become paying customers as the value proposition grows.
—Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
The budget was largely in line with market expectations, at about 3 trillion yen ($19 billion), but comes as Japan still struggles with higher energy prices, rising subsidy costs, and a weak yen.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 31 May 2026
One expectation was that anyone who completes their quarantine at home would need to have 24/7 monitoring outside their residence, most likely in the form of a community health worker.
—Arkansas Online, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for expectation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Anya Von Bremzen, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
Turning long-form magazine articles into an audio format utilizes its existing company assets and expertise and offers an expanding menu of services for its premium subscribers, with the expectation that more consumers will become paying customers as the value proposition grows.
—Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
The budget was largely in line with market expectations, at about 3 trillion yen ($19 billion), but comes as Japan still struggles with higher energy prices, rising subsidy costs, and a weak yen.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 31 May 2026
One expectation was that anyone who completes their quarantine at home would need to have 24/7 monitoring outside their residence, most likely in the form of a community health worker.
—Arkansas Online, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for expectation
Cite this Entry
“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectation. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
