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

This move could redefine the laptop market's upgrade expectations. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Core inflation gives economists and policymakers a good sense of how persistent price pressures may be, and to gauge Americans’ view of prices, officials look at market and survey-based measures of inflation expectations. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 July 2026

The Sun in your 4th House of Home opposes Pluto in your 10th House of Career, stirring pressure around family needs, professional expectations, privacy, and control. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026

If success has started to mean absorbing every expectation without question, pause. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 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